The Baptism of Christ
Frederic Shields
Chapel of the Ascension
Bayswater Road, not far from the Marble Arch, fronting Hyde Park
Source: “The Chapel of the Ascension and Mr. Frederic Shields” in the 1902 Art Journal
“Turning from it to the Baptism of Christ, the eye lights on the great central heroic figure and dwells on it with satisfaction. Mr. Shields has represented Christ in one aspect only, but that a magnificent one. Here is the perfect flower of humanity's best efforts in life, art, thought and love, consecrating Himself to High God from whom the Idea emanated.
“There is inspiration in this conception, Christ's glistening Body and solemn illuminated Face stand out with quite unearthly radiance from the mellow night-blues and storm-purples of the background.”