Retrospective genre in Russian art at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. The artists of this genre created images of before Peter the Great Russia of XVII century. At that time, foreigners (Inozemtsy) were perceived by Muscovites as wonder and were treated with certain element of astonishment and somewhat rejection. Mutual curiosity and incomprehension became the subject of this picture.

Appiev road - the ancient way connecting Rome to southern Italy, "road of catacombs". Its name originates from underground galleries with mausoleums where the Christian martyrs were buried. The mausoleum ruins appear as shadows of the past centuries and cultures. Next to them, on the background, depicted the St. Peter's dome which looks as a tiny dot, barely visible against the backdrop of mountains and sky.

The plot is taken from the first chapter of the Gospel of John (1: 29-31). Ivanov sought to show humanity at a crucial, defining moment of its destiny. In the center of the painting - the figure of John the Baptist, baptizing people in the Jordan River and pointing to the coming of Jesus. In the figure "nearest to Christ" can be recognized writer Nikolai Gogol, in the appearance of a pilgrim with staff, sitting next to John, the artist depicted himself.