Theophany (Baptism of Christ), The

Painting

Purdue University Galleries

Name/Title

Theophany (Baptism of Christ), The

Entry/Object ID

2005.02.076

Description

Slightly curved wood panel with egg tempera painting on top. The border consists of a bright red then green stripe with a broader cream colored space filled with a red Cyrillic caption at the top, a crowned male figure on the left, and a female figure on the right. The main image is set lower into the panel with a black border and features a nude Christ standing in a river with two grey figures at both ankles. A male (John the Baptist) stands to the left with his hand on Christ's head. On the right are three angels and above God holds a yellow circular vase with a dove below him.

Type of Painting

Panel

Artwork Details

Medium

Tempera

Collection

Betsy Scheuring Icon Collection

Acquisition

Accession

2005.02

Source or Donor

Betsy Scheuring

Acquisition Method

Gift

Credit Line

Gift of Betsy Scheuring

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Icon

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Symbol, Religious

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Religious Objects

Nomenclature Class

Ceremonial Objects

Nomenclature Category

Category 08: Communication Objects

Dimensions

Height

14-1/4 in

Width

12-1/2 in

Depth

1-1/4 in

Exhibitions

Spirit Made Tangible: The Scheuring Icon Collection (2006)

Surveying the Sacred: Analysis of the Scheuring Collection of Eastern Orthodox Icons (2025)

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Cultural/Historical Context

Label

This icon depicts the baptism of Christ by John the Forerunner (Baptist) in the Jordan River. The nude Christ is shown at the center leaning towards John, who places his hand on the Savior’s head. Above Christ is God the Father holding an orb symbolizing heavenly power, while directly below him is the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, descending toward Christ. Three angels appear on the right, their hands covered as a sign of veneration towards Christ. The figures in the waters personify the River Jordan and the Red Sea, respectively. In the margins of the icon appear two saints, with the one on the left wearing a crown and the one on the right holding a scroll. Both look at the scene of baptism.