Spanish School Artist, The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple, 1550, Oil Painting

Details

Description

Spanish Master; c. 1500.

“The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple.”

Oil on pine panel.

Dimensions: 99 x 68 … Read more Spanish Master; c. 1500.

“The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple.”

Oil on pine panel.

Dimensions: 99 x 68 cm; 118 x 85 cm (framed).

Needs restoration.

According to the promise made by her parents, Mary was taken to the Temple at the age of three, accompanied by a large number of Hebrew girls carrying lit torches and amidst the singing of angels. There were fifteen steps to ascend to the Temple, which Mary climbed alone, running despite her young age, and throwing herself into the arms of Zechariah, who awaited her in the atrium with other Elders. Zechariah blessed her with words alluding to her future divine motherhood and, in an unprecedented act, led the child into the Holy of Holies, where only the High Priest could enter once a year, on the Day of Atonement. He seated the girl on the third step of the altar, and God then showered her with grace, after which Mary rose and began to dance for joy.

In this particular instance, the narrative unfolds in an interior space, enclosed by pilasters at the back, and dominated by a staircase that plays a significant role in the story. This staircase serves to differentiate the two planes of the composition, while simultaneously arranging the figures and indicating their divine position to the viewer. The scene is configured as a frieze, although the artist has established a diagonal reading rhythm, so that the viewer becomes another character in the scene, drawn into it. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less