DISCOVERART

Jacopo Tintoretto

Baptism of Christ

1580s
oil on canvas
169 × 251.4 cm (66.5 × 99 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of July 2026

View at clevelandart.org ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

Based on a passage from the New Testament book of Matthew, this work depicts Saint John the Baptist performing Christ's baptism in the river Jordan, during which the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove. The powerful modeling of the bodies and luminous color characterize High Renaissance painting in Venice. Because of Tintoretto's pioneering use of rich color, his work was a crucial source for many later artists.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Jacopo Tintoretto

Angel from the Annunciation to the VirginAngel from the Annunciation to the VirginMuse with LuteMuse with LutePortrait of a ManPortrait of a ManPortrait of Ottavio StradaPortrait of Ottavio StradaDoge Alvise Mocenigo (1507–1577) Presented to the RedeemerDoge Alvise Mocenigo (1507–1577) Presented to the RedeemerPortrait of a GentlemanPortrait of a GentlemanPortrait of a Man with a Red CloakPortrait of a Man with a Red CloakTwo ApostlesTwo Apostles

More like this

Alexander the Great Rescued from the River CydnusPietro Testa — Alexander the Great Rescued from the River CyThe Sacrifice of IsaacAndrea del Sarto (Italian, 1486–1530) — The Sacrifice of IsaThe Temptation of Saint JeromeGiorgio Vasari — The Temptation of Saint JeromeThe baptism of ChristThe baptism of ChristThe Return of the Holy Family to NazarethNicolas Poussin (French, 1594–1665) — The Return of the HolyThe Baptism of ChristThe Baptism of ChristThe Coronation of the VirginAnnibale Carracci — The Coronation of the VirginChrist with Joseph of ArimatheaGiovanni Girolamo Savoldo (Italian, c. 1480–after 1548) — ChThe Angels Appearing to AbrahamFrancesco Guardi (Italian, 1712–1793) — The Angels AppearingEngelen dragen het lichaam van Christus (Engelenpietà)Bartholomeus Spranger — Engelen dragen het lichaam van ChrisThe Baptism of ChristSébastien Bourdon — The Baptism of ChristThe Temptation of Saint AnthonyAgostino Carracci — The Temptation of Saint Anthony