Giovanni Francesco Bezzi, called Nosadella (active c. 1549-1571) - attributed, Baptism of Jesus

The Mannerist painter Giovanni Francesco Bezzi, known as Nosadella, was a pupil of Pellegrino Tibaldi. His style also shows the influence of Prospero Fontana. Bezzi was mainly active in Bologna. Jesus is kneeling with one leg on a boulder while John the Baptist, dressed in fur and a red cloak, approaches from the right to pour the water of baptism over his head. The dove of the Holy Spirit descends from heaven upon the Son of God. A youth on the right holds Jesus' clothing. The two reclining figures in the background on the left represent river gods, with river water flowing from their jugs.
Dimensions:
59.5 × 47.5 cm
Medium:
Oil on wood