Russia. AV, Baptismal Medal. Pavl I Petrovich, AD 1796-1801. 5.63 g. 32.79 mm.
A superb example with a lovely toning!

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came out of the water. At that moment the sky opened up. God looked down and saw his spirit descending on him like a dove. A voice was heard from heaven: This is my beloved son.”

Baptismal scenes first appeared in the catacombs of the 3rd century and are later frequently used in Christian art. In early depictions, Jesus is depicted as a young man and completely naked. In these depictions, his entire body is underwater. Beginning in the 15th century, Jesus is depicted with hands in prayer or folded on his chest. During the Renaissance, the stage layout was changed. In this alteration, Jesus is only ankle-deep in water and a robe is wrapped around his waist.

In the baptismal scenes, John the Baptist (left) stands on one side of Jesus and angels (right) on the other, and these angels are dressed in Jesus' clothing. There is no information about angels in the Bible and it is believed that the angels depicted in the scene are an interpretation of Western iconography.

A white dove is depicted among the clouds above Jesus' head. The white dove in these scenes represents the Holy Spirit. (up on stage)

BACK:

In the scenes of the birth of Jesus, Mary, the baby Jesus, Joseph and the elements that make up the Holy Family are presented together. Matching the Luke story, there are references to the scene in the manger. Donkeys and oxen, which use their breath to warm the manger, are generally preferred for this reference. In the Apocryphal Gospel of Matthew, it is mentioned that the donkey and the ox warmed the baby Jesus with their breath.

In the center of the scene are Mary, Joseph and the angel prostrating before the baby Jesus lying on the barn. In this scene, the angel clasped his hands on his chest in prayer.

In the scene "Annunciation to the Shepherds", which tells of the events after the birth of Jesus, the shepherds who let their flock graze are brought the good news of the birth of the Redeemer by the angel. These scenes are often depicted in the background of the cribs.

The Defeat of the Shepherds scene is a continuation of the Gospel scene and is depicted with shepherds holding sticks in their hands.

The astrologers commissioned by King Herod, following the star that appeared to them to find and worship the place of the newborn King of the Jews, came to the manger in Jerusalem where the holy family of Jesus is located. Arrived at the manger, the star also stopped. The Asterelogens then hand over the gifts they have brought with them and prostrate themselves in front of the Infant Jesus.