Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Vincenzo Foppa

Download hi-res image TITLE Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
AUTHOR Vincenzo Foppa
DATE c. 1470
OBJECT TYPE AND MATERIAL Tempera on panel
DIMENSIONS cm 129,5 x 56
INVENTORY 5456
ROOM X
Work on display

This painting depicts the final moment in the Presentation, when the priest Simeon hands Jesus back to the Virgin after symbolically offering him to God as prescribed by ceremonial. Slanting light breathes life into the scene in an architectural setting in perfect perspective, sliding over fabric, objects, marble and faces, defining expressions and the moving atmosphere rich in shadow, pointing to a sensibility inspired by Flemish painting.