This
specific piece was designed by Minten in 1997 for St.
William's Church in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This realistic
representation illustrates a popular biblical passage in
which St. John, the Messiah's cousin, baptizes Christ in
the River Jordan. St. John is depicted as described by
St. Matthew who wrote, "And the same John had his
raiment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle about his
loin; and his meat was locusts and wild honey"
(Matthew 3:4). Christ wears a yellow garment, symbolic of
his divinity and supreme power. A cruciform nimbus is
placed behind his head, referring to his redemption
through the Cross. In the background, two apostles
witness this sacred event, as the Holy Spirit, embodied
by the dove, descends upon Christ. The dove is encircled
by and appears to materialize from a radiant field called
an aureole. By positioning St. John on raised rock
platform above Christ, who is knee-deep in water, Minten
achieves the illusion of depth.
