The Baptism of Christ

About this work

This sketch shows two men by a rocky shore. One is kneeling in water, reaching up toward the other man, who stands on land holding a long staff. The background is rough, with quick, uneven lines that look like waves or wind. The colors are mostly brown and beige, with some white highlights. The standing man’s hand is raised in a blessing gesture, which hints this might be a religious scene. The loose, sketchy lines suggest the artist was working fast, maybe practicing shapes and poses. Next, check out Baroque to see how dramatic movement and emotion shaped art.