Baptism of Our Lord

Iconography:  Baptism of Our Lord

Date: XV century. Second half of the 15th c.

Origin: From the Pokrov church of village Chernokulovo, Yuriev-Polskoy district.

Material: Wood, levkas, tempera

Dimensions:  height 52 cm, width 42,2 cm

The center of the icon shows Christ baptized by John the Baptist in the waters of the Jordan river. His nude figure is represented in a three quarter turn, His head bowed submissively, His right hand lowered in a gesture of blessing. Christ takes a step towards John. In the upper part of the composition is shown the quadrant with two short rays on either side and the long one with the dove in the aureole (a symbol of the Holy Spirit), descending on Christ. To the left is John the Baptist in the attire of a prophet (chiton and himation) standing on the cliffy bank of the Jordan river. He bows down before Christ and holds out his hand to Him as if pointing to the Savior. The right part of the icon shows the angels – baptismal witnesses. 


Inv. № В-9728 И-781 

© The Vladimir-Suzdal History, Architecture and Art Museum and Reserve 

Bibliography: Иконы Владимира и Суздаля. М., 2006. № 8. С. 88-90. (Описание: Л.В. Нерсесяна, Е.В. Гладышевой)

  • General view