The purpose and significance of the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist in the river Jordan is regarded somewhat differently within the various forms of Christianity, although most consider it a fundamental reason why Christians have been baptized until today as a declaration of faith. To many it also denotes the human side of Jesus.

John the Baptist himself is described as a charismatic character both in the Biblical narratives and in art. John is one of the most popular and most often depicted characters in Christian art.

Particularly his beheading is a very common motive in historical art.Below: St John in the Wilderness by Thomas Cole, 1827.

The actual act of baptizing Jesus is a paradoxical subject, and so is the nature of God’s presence at the baptism, but it is at least partially explained in the gospels. In Luke’s story, God’s spirit descends in the form of a dove – quite literally it seems – whereas the Gospel of Matthew is a little more vague in the matter and leaves room for interpretation.

 At any rate, the baptism of Christ, St. John, and the role of the Baptist have played a major part in Christian art and history.