The Baptism of Christ

Executed during or shortly after Rottenhammer’s Venetian sojourn, this composition reflects his assimilation of Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto’s grand prototypes. The invention is known through at least ten extant variants, attesting to its popularity within his studio (see M. Jandlová, Hans Rottenhammer: Begehrt – Vergessen – Neu Entdeckt, exhibition catalogue, Lemgo and Prague, 2008–09, pp. 124–26). A preparatory pen-and-wash drawing by Rottenhammer survives in the Národní galerie, Prague (ibid., fig. 174). The prime version is generally considered to be the panel in the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, executed in collaboration with Jan Brueghel the Elder; another version, on copper, was sold at Christie’s, London, 3 December 2008, lot 21.

As observed by Luuk Pijl: 'compared to these...works the execution of the figures in our painting is slightly less fluid and the landscape elements somewhat harsh. These observations must lead to the conclusion the work under discussion is executed by Rottenhammer with some assistance of a painter active in his studio' (Drs. Luuk Pijl, unpublished report, 31 March 2025; available on request)