WEYDEN, Rogier van der
(b. 1400, Tournai, d. 1464, Bruxelles)

Braque Family Triptych (detail)

c. 1450
Oil on oak panel
Musée du Louvre, Paris

This detail of the left panel shows the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan.

John the Baptist's most significant act is shown in the broad Netherlandish landscape behind him. As he baptizes the Son of God, an angel holds Christ's garment. Several onlookers in contemporary urban clothing may be the people mentioned in the Gospels as wising to be baptized, though they have not yet undressed.