The Baptism of Christ

Lorenzo Monaco's Baptism of Christ, dating to his early career around 1387, reveals the formation of one of the most important painters bridging the Gothic and early Renaissance periods in Florence. As a Camaldolese monk at Santa Maria degli Angeli, Lorenzo developed his art within one of Florence's most important monastic scriptoria, absorbing both the Giottesque tradition and the Sienese Gothic elegance that was transforming late Trecento Florentine taste. This early work at the National Gallery shows the lyrical, devotional sensibility that would define his mature masterpieces.

Tempera and gold on panel with the refined, calligraphic line and luminous colour that characterize Lorenzo Monaco's emerging personal style. The baptismal scene employs flowing drapery rhythms and gentle figural modelling that anticipate his later International Gothic manner.