ANDREA DEL SARTO
(b. 1486, Firenze, d. 1530, Firenze)

Baptism of the People

1515-17
Fresco
Chiostro dello Scalzo, Florence

In Andrea's hands, the use of monochromatic pigments in this fresco creates an almost silvery aura. The subject of the Baptism of the People offered a challenge appropriate to a painter of his generation and of his innate skills. The emphasis is upon the rendering of the figure and in particular the nude in a variety of poses and states of undress, consistent with the subject matter.