Artwork
Watercolour, copy after the Baptism of Christ, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Watercolour, copy after the Baptism of Christ, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence) is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Domenico Ghirlandaio. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour is a copy of Domenico Ghirlandaio's fresco of the Baptism of Christ from the Tornabuoni Chapel in Santa Maria Novella, Florence. Executed by Cesare Mariannecci, it captures the pivotal religious scene in a distinct medium.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork depicts the Baptism of Christ, with Saint John the Baptist pouring water over Christ, who is draped in a white cloth. Surrounding figures, set amidst a mountainous landscape, underscore the event's significance.
Technique & Style
Visible brushstrokes and a palette of blues, greens, and earth tones characterize the watercolour, conveying texture and depth. The style faithfully interprets Ghirlandaio's original fresco, adapting it to the watercolour medium.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by the Arundel Society, the work remained unpublished. Originally part of the National Gallery in London, it was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1995.
Context
As a copy, it reflects 19th-century interests in reproducing and disseminating Renaissance art, particularly through watercolour, for study or appreciation.
Legacy
While not altering the artistic canon, this copy contributes to the broader preservation and accessibility of Ghirlandaio's work, serving educational and historical purposes within the Victoria and Albert Museum's collections.
Artist & collection
Artist
Domenico di Tommaso Curradi di Doffo Bigordi (2 June 1448 – 11 January 1494), professionally known as Domenico Ghirlandaio (also spelt as Ghirlandajo), was an Italian Renaissance painter born in Florence.
Copy after the Preaching of St. John the Baptist, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after the Marriage of the Virgin, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after Zacharias writes down the name of his Son, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after Calling of the Apostoles, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican (Rome)
Copy after the Presentation of the Virgin in the temple, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after the Birth of St John the Baptist, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after The Expulsion of Joachim from the Temple, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after the Nativity of the Virgin, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after The Last Supper, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Chiesa di Ognissanti (Florence)
Copy after The Angel Appearing to Zacharias, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Watercolour, copy after The Visitation, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after Christ and Mary Magdalene in the Garden, Fra Angelico in the Museo di San Marco (Florence)