Presentation of Jesus at the Temple
Venetian School of the 16th Century
Oil on canvas
Carved and gilded frame
Canvas 100 x 77 frame 117 x 96
Excellent condition
This elegant, typically 16th-century composition depicts the episode from the Gospel of Saint Luke, which shows the infant Jesus being presented in the Temple of Jerusalem.
The scene is truly captivating: the Virgin Mary raises the Son with both hands and offers Him to Simeon.
A bewildered Joseph stares with wide eyes at the stern figure of the old High Priest with the long beard.
The Child withdraws, frightened, turning towards the Mother who watches him tenderly and protectively.
A short distance from the group, a young woman, traditionally identified as the midwife who assisted Mary during childbirth, participates in the solemn ritual.
It is the moment of Simeon's prophecy, who recognizes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, and pronounces the famous phrase to Mary, "A sword will pierce your own soul too," foretelling the sorrows that the Virgin will have to suffer with the passion and death of her Son.
This important event marks the beginning of the devotion to the "Madonna Addolorata" (Our Lady of Sorrows), depicted in popular tradition with the sword in her heart.
The work is of excellent workmanship and presents the unmistakable characteristics of 16th-century Venetian painting.
There are evident references to the famous compositions of Giovanni Bellini, whose extraordinary pictorial language influenced almost all Venetian artists of the 16th century.
The palette used is characterized by exclusively warm colors in shades of yellow, ochre, and brown, with the only exception being the Virgin's blue cloak.
The work has already been restored, cleaned, and perfectly relined, and its condition is excellent.
It is complete with a beautiful antique frame finely carved and gilded.
Negotiable price and personalized payment.
Certificate of authenticity according to law and detailed descriptive sheet.
Tracked shipping (DHL TRACKING) and fully insured with anti-shock packaging in a custom-made wooden crate.
Delivery within 3 working days from receipt of payment (DHL EXPRESS)
Further images of the work on the private website - link:
https://www.antichitaischia.it/it/prodotto/presentazione-di-gesu-al-tempio
