Description
Mallet’s image depicts a Republican baptism ceremony during the French Revolution. The event takes place in a magnificent Gothic church, identifiable as such by its pointed arches and stained glass window. A mother presents her infant to the priest who raises his right hand as he administers the sacrament. Even the musicians pause from playing to watch this spectacle.
Provenance
Patrice Batelli; purchased by Mr. Noah L. Butkin [1918-1980], 1976 (sale, 3 December 1976, “Important old master drawings”, lot #102, Christie’s, London); bequest of Mrs. Muriel Butkin [1915-2008], 2005 to The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Accession Number
2017.213
Medium
Pen and brown and gray inks and red chalk and watercolor, heightened with white; squaring for transfer
Dimensions
Sheet: 33.3 x 44.6 cm (13 1/8 x 17 9/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin