Ravenna, Italy: Baptistery of the Orthodox: Detail of Dome Mosaic 1

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Authors

Sheppard, Beth M.

Issue Date

22-May-17

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Image

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Italy , Ravenna , Baptistery of the Orthodox , Neonian Baptistery , Baptistery of Neon , Battistero Neoniano , Orthodox Baptistery , Battistero Ortodosso , Baptistry of the Cathedral|Byzantine Art , Mosaics , Domed Ceilings , Jesus Christ in Art , John the Baptist in Art , Baptism in Art , Doves in Art , River Jordan in Art , Water in Art

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Upright detail image of the mosaic of the central part of the dome in the Baptistery of the Orthodox (Neonian Baptistery; Baptistery of Neon; Battistero Neoniano; Orthodox Baptistery; Battistero Ortodosso; Baptistry of the Cathedral). It portrays John the Baptist as he baptizes Christ standing in the water of the River Jordan. A personification of the River Jordan as an elderly man is present within the water. The white dove symbolizes the Spirit of God descending on Christ during the baptism, as noted in Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, and John 1:32. This mosaic is especially noteworthy for the veil-like appearance of the water in which Christ is submerged. The baptismal scene is surrounded by the twelve apostles, which personify the Church. They are identified by inscriptions beside their heads. Each holds a crown, symbolizing martyrdom.

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CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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