Baptism of Christ
Oil and tempera on panel, 152 x 180 cm, by Leonardo da Vinci and Andrea del Verrocchio, 1470–75
Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

The Baptism of Christ is a work attributed to both Leonardo da Vinci and his master Andrea del Verrocchio. Completed in around 1475, it's believed to be a collaborative effort between the two artists, with da Vinci having painted the young angel holding Christ's robe and possibly other elements as well. In this painting, the central focus is on the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. John is shown pouring water over Jesus' head as the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove, symbolising the moment of Jesus' divine anointment. The painting is notable for its detailed rendering of the figures, the landscape, and the atmospheric effects, characteristic of both Verrocchio's and da Vinci's styles. It displays Verrocchio's skill in creating lifelike figures and da Vinci's mastery of light and shadow.