Ravenna, Italy: Baptistery of the Orthodox: Detail of Dome Mosaic 3
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Authors
Sheppard, Beth M.
Issue Date
22-May-17
Type
Image
Language
Keywords
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
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
Detail image of the central mosaic 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.
Citation
Publisher
License
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0