THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST BY PIERO DELLA FRANCESCA

Looking at the picture entitled The Baptism of Christ, you'll immediately notice the painter's passion for geometry and pure, clear-cut volumes. You may notice an imaginary vertical line that divides the scene in half: it begins at the top of the painting, passes through the dove's beak, divides Christ's face, runs between his clasped hands, and then continues between his feet. The clear waters of the Jordan River flow between the feet of the central pair of figures. St John is captured at the exact moment when he baptises Jesus, pouring water on his head. Behind the two you can see a man undressing in preparation to be baptised as well. To the left there are three angels embracing each other in a gesture of friendship, watching the scene. The even lighting stops time, rendering the unfolding event eternal. If you look at the landscape closely, a small town can be seen behind the right side of Christ: this is in fact Borgo San Sepolcro, the artist's beloved hometown, to which he pays homage here.