Paintings of the Life of Jesus

A full-page manuscript illustration depicts the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. The scene is enclosed within a thick red border. In the center, Jesus stands without clothing in the swirling blue and white waters of the Jordan. The water rises up around him like a mound. He has a halo marked with a cross. Above him, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descends from a stylized arc representing heaven, emitting rays of light. To the left, John the Baptist stands on the riverbank wearing a garment made of hair. He reaches out his right hand to touch the head of Jesus in the act of baptism. To the right, an angel with large red wings stands on the opposite bank. The angel holds a red cloth or garment ready for Jesus. The background features two stylized, feathery trees. There are inscriptions in both Syriac and Armenian identifying the figures and the scene.