Il battesimo. (1755). Venezia, Pinacoteca Querini Stampalla. Pietro Longhi (1701-1785)

The composition presents a scene centered around a religious ceremony, likely a baptism. A priest, adorned in elaborate vestments – a stark white alb layered over a black cassock – is actively engaged in performing the rite. He holds a vessel, presumably containing water, poised above an infant swaddled in delicate pink fabric. The infant’s face is partially obscured, drawing attention to the ritualistic action rather than individual features.
To the priests left stands a man in a long, ochre-colored cloak, his expression conveying solemnity and perhaps paternal concern. A woman, draped in dark clothing with a black veil covering her hair, observes the proceedings from a slightly removed position; her gaze is directed towards the infant, suggesting maternal involvement or emotional connection. A young boy, also dressed in clerical attire, holds a ceremonial object – a long, thin banner or standard – and stands attentively to the right of the priest.
The setting appears to be an interior space, possibly a chapel or private room within a larger structure. A draped altar or shrine dominates the background, topped with a statue of a figure holding aloft what seems to be a staff or scepter. A framed painting hangs on the wall behind the group, depicting a coastal landscape – a detail that introduces a contrasting element of external world and perspective beyond the immediate religious event.
The color palette is dominated by earth tones – browns, ochres, and blacks – punctuated by the vibrant pink of the infant’s clothing and the stark white of the priests garments. This contrast draws focus to the central figures and emphasizes the significance of the baptismal rite. The lighting is soft and diffused, creating a sense of intimacy and reverence.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of faith, family, and social status. The elaborate attire of the priest and the man in the cloak suggest wealth and privilege. The presence of the veiled woman hints at societal expectations regarding female roles within religious contexts. The inclusion of the young boy suggests a passing down of tradition or an introduction to religious life. Ultimately, the work captures a moment of transition – the entry of a new individual into the Christian faith – within a carefully constructed social and ceremonial framework.