Baptismal Font

The large scale, sophisticated craftsmanship, and complex iconographical program of the Hildesheim font make it one of the most accomplished examples of copper-alloy casting to survive from the Middle Ages. The font is embellished with scenes and inscriptions that emphasize the importance of the sacrament of baptism. On the basin, the Baptism of Christ is flanked by two prefigurations from the Old Testament: the Parting of the Red Sea and the Crossing of the River Jordan. On the opposite side, the Virgin and Child are flanked by the cathedral’s patrons, Saints Epiphanius and Godehard. Kneeling at the Virgin’s feet is Wilbrandus of Oldenburg- Wildeshausen, dean of Hildesheim Cathedral in 1219–25 and possible designer of the font’s program. The four major scenes on the lid correspond to the scenes of baptism below. All the scenes are divided by twisted colonnettes. Each colonnette on the basin is supported by a Cardinal Virtue and surmounted by both a Hebrew prophet in a roundel and an Evangelist symbol. Four Old Testament figures top the colonnettes on the lid. Supporting the font are personifications of the Four Rivers of Paradise, who pour streams of water from their jugs.