Doop van Christus (rechter deel) 1680 - 1694

This is Jean Pesne's "Baptism of Christ," etched in the 17th century. The river Jordan surges as John the Baptist pours water over Christ. An angel to the right holds a cloth, a subtle yet potent symbol of purity. Consider how this simple cloth appears time and again throughout history, from classical depictions of Venus to Renaissance portraits. It embodies a sense of modesty, protection, and transformation. The act of baptism is itself an ancient ritual, a cleansing and rebirth found in various cultures. Water, the source of life, here becomes a symbol of spiritual renewal, a motif deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. This potent image engages us on a profound level, tapping into our shared understanding of purification. See how this scene resurfaces through history, evolving, adapting, yet always carrying the weight of its original symbolism. The river flows on, a constant cycle of death and rebirth.