Saint Francis Xavier baptizing the Indians 1714 - 1774

"Saint Francis Xavier Baptizing the Indians" is an anonymous etching created between 1714 and 1774, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The scene depicts the Jesuit missionary, Saint Francis Xavier, performing a baptism on a group of Native Americans. The etching uses a detailed, realistic style, depicting the figures and their clothing with precision. This artwork reflects the Jesuit mission to spread Christianity among indigenous peoples in the 17th and 18th centuries, offering a glimpse into the religious encounters of the colonial era. The use of etching, a technique popular during the period, demonstrates the artist's attention to detail and mastery of the medium.