The Baptism of Christ (Piero della Francesca)
A task set today by Andy was to take a seat at a postcard. The postcard I ended up with was this one printed from The National Gallery in London. (also credited from 'The Art Book' 1998) The following is my response to this piece with the sheet we had to follow ~
1. Describe what it is.
A small A5 sized postcard with the image of a painting depicting the moment Jesus Christ was baptised. The reverse side is half blank (to use as a postcard) with additional information about the painting and where the postcard is from.
2. What Does it look like?
It is a outside scene near a lake with a peaceful atmosphere . A dove and what appears to be three angels observe this moment as Jesus is baptised by John the baptist. The whole painting seems very symmetrical from the middle, seeing as the dove, water and Jesus' hands all line up directly in the centre of the painting. The painting is also arched on the top half which contains the top part of tree growing from the left side of the lake.
3. Make Written/Visual Notes
4. Where and when was it made? Place, Date
Believed to be painted between 1447 - 1450 and although I could not find a location as to where this piece was painted, it's not too far-fetched to believe it was painted in Italy, most likely near or in his home-town Borgo, Sansepolcro.
5. Were there particular ideas, or art, design media or cultural influence? Name them, describe them and collect examples. Were there people working at the time who may have influenced the work?
The most obvious influence is that of Jesus Christ's story and his baptism, However Francesca was know for his use of geometrics and perspective, and this can be seen throughout this piece. The way the painting seems split perfectly down the middle, how every figure in the painting is well placed in relation to the space, etc. Another influence that we may or may not think about is that of the local artist he apprenticed under, Antonio di Giovanni d'Anghiari. Francesca also met with many other leading artists in his time in Florence that I believe would have taken some influence from such as Fra Angelica, Luca della Robbia and Donatello. His home town of Sansepolcro must have also been a huge influence as it has been said that the town in the background detailing of this piece, is indeed Sanspolcro.
6. Who made it?
Piero della Francesca painted the main image while Matteo di Giovanni painted the side panels and predella (the platform or step that an altar stands on)
7. Name(s)
The Baptism of Christ is the only name given to this piece
8. Background - influence
As mentioned before, Francesca's hometown was undoubtedly a influence as it is seen as the town in the background of this piece. Three angels are also seen in the painting, to the left, which would be another iconic religious influence that he would have added. The Dove in the middle of the piece representing The Holy Spirit is another example.
9. How was it made?
This piece was painted with tempera on panel according to the back of the original postcard, however the National Gallery website says Egg on popular. The piece is also first planned to be part of a polytych (A piece made up of many other panels)
10. What is the purpose and motivation for making this?
Originally it was painted for the Chapel of San Giovanni in 'the Pieve', but was then Commissioned by the Camaldolese abbey of Sansepolcro. So the main reason would be to earn money and finish a commission, however many of Francesca's works carry a religious theme, so his motivation would have also come from his own belief's and his faith.
11. Whose interest does it serve?
This piece would largely serve the interest of the abbey of Sansepolcro but also others who follow Christ's teachings and their faith. However, anyone with a interest in arts and/or history would also take to this piece too, as it is such a largely known painting.
12. Can an underlying set of ideas be seen that the work supports?
Personally I believe there is no underlying set of ideas as this piece is a clear image of a sacred and pure moment in Jesus Christ's life. I don't believe Francesca would have wanted any confusing or controversial messages underlying in a piece like this, especially as it was commissioned by an abbey and he himself as well known for his religious works.
13. What meanings are generated?
After reading up as to why Jesus was baptised I believe the meanings generated in this piece are to show that Jesus was righteous and pure, that the baptism was a significant moment in Jesus' life that we should all remember. The baptism was also to show that Jesus could identify with sinners and help those who have sinned to start a new life. This piece could be the meaning of being forgiven by Jesus in that right as well.
14. How do you interpret the artefact? Is there evidence of other peoples interpretations?
Although I myself am a Atheist/Agnostic, I interpret this piece as a piece to be reflected upon. That it could be seen as a good image that might help those in need of extra faith or reassurance from their faith? There have also indeed been many different interpretations of the baptism of Jesus Christ and all of them too have a holy and pure feel to them, which I do believe a moment such as this should be viewed as. Examples of other's interpretations would be those of Pietro Perugino, Leonardo Da Vinci or Giovanni Bellini.
(Sources of information :
The back of the postcard - National Gallery
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/piero-della-francesca-the-baptism-of-christ
http://www.poderesantapia.com/art/pierodellafrancesca/baptismofchrist.htm
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/great-works-the-baptism-of-christ-14481450-piero-della-francesca-1860900.html
http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b184934/baptism-of-christ-posters.htm
http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-baptized.html
1. Describe what it is.
A small A5 sized postcard with the image of a painting depicting the moment Jesus Christ was baptised. The reverse side is half blank (to use as a postcard) with additional information about the painting and where the postcard is from.
2. What Does it look like?
It is a outside scene near a lake with a peaceful atmosphere . A dove and what appears to be three angels observe this moment as Jesus is baptised by John the baptist. The whole painting seems very symmetrical from the middle, seeing as the dove, water and Jesus' hands all line up directly in the centre of the painting. The painting is also arched on the top half which contains the top part of tree growing from the left side of the lake.
3. Make Written/Visual Notes
4. Where and when was it made? Place, Date
Believed to be painted between 1447 - 1450 and although I could not find a location as to where this piece was painted, it's not too far-fetched to believe it was painted in Italy, most likely near or in his home-town Borgo, Sansepolcro.
5. Were there particular ideas, or art, design media or cultural influence? Name them, describe them and collect examples. Were there people working at the time who may have influenced the work?
The most obvious influence is that of Jesus Christ's story and his baptism, However Francesca was know for his use of geometrics and perspective, and this can be seen throughout this piece. The way the painting seems split perfectly down the middle, how every figure in the painting is well placed in relation to the space, etc. Another influence that we may or may not think about is that of the local artist he apprenticed under, Antonio di Giovanni d'Anghiari. Francesca also met with many other leading artists in his time in Florence that I believe would have taken some influence from such as Fra Angelica, Luca della Robbia and Donatello. His home town of Sansepolcro must have also been a huge influence as it has been said that the town in the background detailing of this piece, is indeed Sanspolcro.
6. Who made it?
Piero della Francesca painted the main image while Matteo di Giovanni painted the side panels and predella (the platform or step that an altar stands on)
7. Name(s)
The Baptism of Christ is the only name given to this piece
8. Background - influence
As mentioned before, Francesca's hometown was undoubtedly a influence as it is seen as the town in the background of this piece. Three angels are also seen in the painting, to the left, which would be another iconic religious influence that he would have added. The Dove in the middle of the piece representing The Holy Spirit is another example.
9. How was it made?
This piece was painted with tempera on panel according to the back of the original postcard, however the National Gallery website says Egg on popular. The piece is also first planned to be part of a polytych (A piece made up of many other panels)
10. What is the purpose and motivation for making this?
Originally it was painted for the Chapel of San Giovanni in 'the Pieve', but was then Commissioned by the Camaldolese abbey of Sansepolcro. So the main reason would be to earn money and finish a commission, however many of Francesca's works carry a religious theme, so his motivation would have also come from his own belief's and his faith.
11. Whose interest does it serve?
This piece would largely serve the interest of the abbey of Sansepolcro but also others who follow Christ's teachings and their faith. However, anyone with a interest in arts and/or history would also take to this piece too, as it is such a largely known painting.
12. Can an underlying set of ideas be seen that the work supports?
Personally I believe there is no underlying set of ideas as this piece is a clear image of a sacred and pure moment in Jesus Christ's life. I don't believe Francesca would have wanted any confusing or controversial messages underlying in a piece like this, especially as it was commissioned by an abbey and he himself as well known for his religious works.
13. What meanings are generated?
After reading up as to why Jesus was baptised I believe the meanings generated in this piece are to show that Jesus was righteous and pure, that the baptism was a significant moment in Jesus' life that we should all remember. The baptism was also to show that Jesus could identify with sinners and help those who have sinned to start a new life. This piece could be the meaning of being forgiven by Jesus in that right as well.
14. How do you interpret the artefact? Is there evidence of other peoples interpretations?
Although I myself am a Atheist/Agnostic, I interpret this piece as a piece to be reflected upon. That it could be seen as a good image that might help those in need of extra faith or reassurance from their faith? There have also indeed been many different interpretations of the baptism of Jesus Christ and all of them too have a holy and pure feel to them, which I do believe a moment such as this should be viewed as. Examples of other's interpretations would be those of Pietro Perugino, Leonardo Da Vinci or Giovanni Bellini.
 |
| - Pietro Perugino's Baptism of Christ - |
(Sources of information :
The back of the postcard - National Gallery
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/piero-della-francesca-the-baptism-of-christ
http://www.poderesantapia.com/art/pierodellafrancesca/baptismofchrist.htm
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/great-works-the-baptism-of-christ-14481450-piero-della-francesca-1860900.html
http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b184934/baptism-of-christ-posters.htm
http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-baptized.html
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