A Christening in Revolutionary France

1750

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

A Christening in Revolutionary France is a 1750 by Jean-Baptiste Mallet, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Jean-Baptiste Mallet
When & what style?: 1750 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting shows a mother handing her baby to a priest in a grand Gothic church. French soldiers stand guard in the background, their uniforms bright against the dark stone. A small band plays music, but everyone turns to watch the baptism. The artist paints a rare scene from the French Revolution. Republican ceremonies replaced old church rituals. The priest’s raised hand marks a quiet moment in a time of upheaval. Look for similar scenes by Jean-Baptiste Mallet at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

The story of this work

Overview

Mallet’s image depicts a Republican baptism ceremony during the French Revolution. The event takes place in a magnificent Gothic church, identifiable as such by its pointed arches and stained glass window. A mother presents her infant to the priest who raises his right hand as he administers the sacrament. Even the musicians pause from playing to watch this spectacle.

Read the full account in the museum source.