The Visitation with the Baptism of Christ

This is the main panel of an altarpiece painted for the chapel of the Visitation in the church of S. Andrea in Vineis, Faenza. A scroll inscribed ‘Ecce Agnus Dei’ (‘Behold the Lamb of God’) is attached to the reed cross that Saint John the Baptist holds. The inscription refers to Christ, who will be sacrificed like a lamb for the salvation of humanity. John pours water from a bowl onto the head of Christ, who clasps his hands in prayer and accepts God’s will. The other Latin inscription, held by the hovering baby with the cloth, translates as: 'This is my beloved Son’ (Matthew 3: 17).

The scene on the left of women accompanied by angels represents the Visitation – the encounter between the pregnant Saint Elizabeth and her cousin the Virgin Mary. Elizabeth, pointing to the main scene of Christ’s baptism, shows Mary the future encounter of their unborn sons. Combining both episodes in one painting was very rare at this time.

Text: © The National Gallery, London