Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture

baptismal font: A receptacle for water, used for baptismal. Early Christian baptism took place by total immersion, so the baptismal font was large and generally built into the floor of a separate building. Later, particularly in northern Europe, child baptism replaced adult baptism so the font could be made smaller and was usually placed in the church building itself

See also baptistry

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Created by Jane Vadnal 05/97