John the Baptist and two men, with Christ

1770–80
Not on view
Hamilton belonged to a generation determined to expand the scope of the arts in Britain. He traveled to Rome as a teenager to study with Antonio Zucchi, returned to England to make decorative paintings for Robert Adam, then entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1769. From that point forward he focused on historical and literary subjects, together with portaits. This early drawing may relate to lines in chapter 3 of Matthew's Gospel where Jesus approaches John the Baptist by the River Jordan as the latter baptises repentant Israelites.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: John the Baptist and two men, with Christ
  • Artist: William Hamilton (British, London 1751–1801 London)
  • Date: 1770–80
  • Medium: Pen and black ink, brush and brown wash over graphite
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 10 1/8 × 12 7/16 in. (25.7 × 31.6 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.80
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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