The Baptism of Christ
A follower of Nicolas Poussin, whose work he studied in Rome, Bourdon was one of the principal exponents of classicism in seventeenth-century France and a founding member of the academy. This monumental image of Christ’s Baptism, depicted with Bourdon’s characteristic cool palette and hazy atmosphere, was probably commissioned for a private chapel. Bourdon was Protestant by birth, and his career was partially shaped by standing outside the dominant Catholic context of his patrons. At times he faced outright religious persecution. In 1652 he took the position of court painter to the Protestant Queen Christina of Sweden but eventually returned to Paris where he ran a large studio.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Baptism of Christ
- Artist: Sébastien Bourdon (French, Montpellier 1616–1671 Paris)
- Date: ca. 1650
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: Overall 59 3/4 x 46 1/2 in. (151.8 x 118.1 cm); painted surface (oval) 59 1/8 x 45 1/2 in. (150.2 x 115.6 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Purchase, George T. Delacorte Jr. Gift, 1974
- Object Number: 1974.2
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings
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