Christ and Saint John the Baptist (?a right wing of an altarpiece)

follower of Rogier van der Weyden (Tournai c.1399 – Brussels 1464). Oil painting on oak panel, Christ and Saint John the Baptist (?a right wing of an altarpiece), follower of Rogier van der Weyden (c.1399-1464), circa 1440. Later inscription with indistinct Flemish text. Our Lord stands left in an extensive undulating landscape by the river Jordan, wearing a blue mantle; He looks down at St. John, in red robes over a hair shirt, kneeling at his feet. The incident is explained by the text from the New Testament gospel book of Matthew iii:14-15 above St John: 'I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me'. And above Jesus; 'Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.' The present picture is probably the right wing of an altarpiece of which the corresponding panel is also at Upton. Upton House, Warwickshire (Accredited Museum)