The Bible in Pictures

Christ stands in the shallow river with folded hands, pale as a column. John pours water over him from a bowl, and directly above hovers the dove. Three angels watch from the left; behind, a man pulls his shirt over his head.

Piero painted the panel for a church in his home town of Sansepolcro, which can be seen in the distance between Christ and the tree. The Jordan flows through a Tuscan valley. The water is a mirror for the hills and the sky, and it stops just in front of Christ's feet.

The dove is seen from the front, with spread wings, and looks like one of the clouds.

The dove is seen from the front, with spread wings, and looks like one of the clouds.

The three angels hold hands. They do not carry Christ's clothes, as angels usually do in this scene.

The three angels hold hands. They do not carry Christ's clothes, as angels usually do in this scene.

The next one to be baptised is already undressing.

The next one to be baptised is already undressing.