Presentations of Christ in the Temple 1300s-1600s

1460-64 Giovanni Bellini (Italian Early Renaissance Painter 1430-1516) Presentation at the Temple 

The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple or Candlemas is described in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22–40). According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days  after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn, in obedience to the Law of Moses (Leviticus 12, Exodus 13:12-15, etc.). Luke explicitly says that Joseph and Mary take the option provided for poor people (those who could not afford a lamb) (Leviticus 12:8), sacrificing "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." (Leviticus 12:1-4 indicates that this event should take place forty days after birth for a male child, hence the Presentation is celebrated 40 days after Christmas.)

Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, they encountered Simeon. The Gospel records that Simeon had been promised that "he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ" (Luke 2:26). Simeon prayed the prayer that would become known as the Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon, which prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus: "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace; according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people: to be a light to lighten the gentiles and to be the glory of Thy people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32).

 Andrei Rublev, (Russian artist, c.1360 - c 1430) 1408 Presentation of Jesus at the Temple

Simeon then prophesied to Mary: "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35). The elderly prophetess Anna was also in the Temple, and offered prayers and praise to God for Jesus, and spoke to everyone there about Jesus and his role in the redemption of Israel (Luke 2:36-38).

 Fra Angelico (Italian artist, 1387-1455)  The Presentation in the Temple, from the predella of the Annunciation Altarpiece

 Fra Angelico (Italian artist, 1387-1455) Presentation at the Temple 1433-34

 Fra Angelico (Italian artist, 1387-1455) Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. 1440

Fra Bartolommeo (Italian High Renaissance painter, 1472-1517) Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Giotto di Bondone (Florentine painter, c 1267-1337).  Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Giotto di Bondone (Florentine painter, c 1267-1337).  The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. 1304-1306

Giotto di Bondone (Florentine painter, c 1267-1337). The Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple c 1320

Giovanni Bellini, (Venice painter, c 1430-1516),  Presentation of Jesus in the Temple From the circle of Giovanni Bellini 1493.

Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) (Italian artist, 1398–1482). The Presentation of Christ in Temple

Hans Holbein the Elder (German painter, c 1465-1524)  1500–01 Presentation of Christ at the Temple

Jan van Scorel (Dutch painter, 1495–1552)  Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Francesco Bassano the Younger (1563-1570) The Presentation of Christ at the Temple

 Lodovico Carracci, (Italian painter 1555-1619), Presentation in the Temple 1605

 Lorenzo Lotto (Italian artist, c.1480-1556) The Presentation of Christ in the Temple 1556

Melchior Broederlam (Belgian artist, c 1350-c 1409) 1399 The Presentation of Christ (from Altar of Philip the Bold)

Romanino Girolamo (Italian artist, c 1484-ca 1559). Presentation of Jesus in the Temple - 1529.

 Stefan Lochner (1400-1451) Presentation of Christ Child at the Temple 1447

 Stefan Lochner (German artist, 1400-1451) Presentation of Christ Child at the Temple 1447.

Vittore Carpaccio (Venetian artist, c.1460–15256), Presentation of Jesus in the Temple 1510