The Baptism of Christ 1641 - 1667

"The Baptism of Christ" is a red chalk drawing by Cornelis van Poelenburgh, created between 1641 and 1667. The drawing depicts the biblical scene of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in the River Jordan. The composition is focused on the figures of John and Jesus, with a surrounding group of onlookers, including an angel with outstretched wings. Van Poelenburgh's use of red chalk creates a sense of warmth and intimacy, highlighting the figures' bodies and the flowing lines of their drapery. The drawing is currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago.