Baptism of Jesus

Lorenzo Scott, Baptism of Jesus, 1987, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jane and Bert Hunecke, 1994.52
Copied Lorenzo Scott, Baptism of Jesus, 1987, oil on canvas, 48 1⁄8 x 48 1⁄8 in. (122.3 x 122.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jane and Bert Hunecke, 1994.52

Artwork Details

Title
Baptism of Jesus
Artist
Date
1987
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
48 1⁄8 x 48 1⁄8 in. (122.3 x 122.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Jane and Bert Hunecke
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Landscape — river
  • Landscape — mountain
  • Religion — New Testament — Christ
  • Animal — bird — dove
  • Religion — angel
  • Religion — New Testament — baptism of Christ
Object Number
1994.52
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1994.52

Artwork Description

This piece illustrates a scene from the New Testament in which Jesus was baptized. The beam of light symbolizes the Holy Spirit, which descended “like a dove” upon Christ (Matthew 3:16). Lorenzo Scott painted Saint John and one of the angels as black people, linking the faith of his community to John’s mission to “prepare the way for the Lord” (Matthew 3:3).