MORONI, Giovanni Battista
(b. 1525, Albino, d. 1578, Bergamo)

The Baptism of Christ with a Donor

1550s
Oil on canvas, 104 x 113 cm
Private collection

One of Moroni's most significant innovations was in the painting of devotional works in which the donor plays a dominant, integral role. Although his teacher, Moretto da Brescia, may have previously explored this approach, Moroni was the first to realize its full potential. This impressive painting is the greatest example of Moroni's accomplishment in this field.