The Baptism of Christ

Nicolás Enríquez Mexican

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 626

In 1773 Nicolás Enríquez created this set of five paintings for the private devotional use of Juan Bautista Echeverría, a Spanish-born merchant. Echeverría’s choice of subject matter is highly personal, reflecting both his Basque roots and his extended residence in Mexico. Enríquez lavished special attention on this painting of Echeverría’s namesake, Saint John, who is shown baptizing Christ in the Jordan. The painter took care to detail the crystalline drops of water poured on Christ’s head and to show his feet submerged in the flowing water of the river. An inscription avows that the image was painted "due to the devotion" of its owner.

The Baptism of Christ, Nicolás Enríquez (Mexican, 1704–1790), Oil on copper, Mexican

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The Baptism of Christ, Nicolás Enríquez (Mexican, 1704–1790), Oil on copper, Mexican
The Baptism of Christ, Nicolás Enríquez (Mexican, 1704–1790), Oil on copper, Mexican

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