UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, Italian
(active 13th century in Venice)

The Baptism of Christ

13th century
Enamel
Basilica di San Marco, Venice

The picture shows one of the over two hundred and fifty enamels of the Pala d'Oro ("golden altarpiece), a masterpiece of medieval goldsmith's work.The top row of the enamels in the lower register of decorations depicts Stories of Christ.

In the Baptism of Christ blue and green enamels represent the waters of Jordan in which Jesus is immersed to receive baptism. The little naked figure of an old man with an amphora (bottom left) personifies the River Jordan.