The artwork titled “Baptism of St. Zenobius and His Appointment as Bishop” is a religious painting created by Sandro Botticelli between 1500 and 1505. This Early Renaissance masterpiece, rendered in tempera on panel, measures 66.5 by 149.5 centimeters. The artwork is currently housed in the National Gallery in London, United Kingdom.
The painting is divided into two scenes encapsulated within the architectural backdrop. On the left side, Botticelli depicts the baptism of St. Zenobius, highlighting figures in flowing robes participating in the sacred ceremony. An array of characters, each intricately detailed, surround the central act, drawing the viewer’s attention to the solemnity of the occasion. The right side of the composition portrays the consecration of St. Zenobius as a bishop, with a group of ecclesiastical figures donning ornate vestments participating in the ceremonial rite. The overall composition is framed by architectural columns adorned with intricate designs, emphasizing the grandeur and sanctity of the depicted events. The use of color, perspective, and detailed human expressions reflect the hallmarks of the Early Renaissance art movement.
