Tintoretto – “The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple” at the Accademia Galleries in Venice

Tintoretto (1518 – 31 May 1594) – “Presentation of Jesus in the Temple”

Painting – Oil on canvas (239 x 298 cm) 1554–1555

Tintoretto, The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, at the Accademia Galleries in Venice, Italy

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple This painting was originally housed in the church Santa Maria dei Crociferi.

Following the destruction of that church, it found its way to the Church of the Jesuits before finally being exhibited at the Accademia Gallery in 1907.

It was commissioned from Tintoretto by the Scuola dei Botteri, the Guild of Coopers in Venice.

Hence the presence of the craftsman and the small barrel on the first step leading up to the altar.

The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, painted here by Tintoretto, refers to the Gospel of Luke (2:22–39).

According to Jewish tradition, 40 days after the birth, the parents would present the baby at the Temple, bringing a candle and two doves, which were then to be sacrificed for the redemption of the first-born son and the purification of the mother.

Presentation of Jesus Jewish law prescribed the sacrifice of two doves for the poor, whilst the rich were required to offer a lamb.

Hence the large candle placed on the altar and the two doves near Jesus.

The Virgin Mary leans over the altar to present the Child to the priest Simeon, with Joseph – with his white beard – lifting a corner of her cloak so that he may take the Child into his arms.

Note that Mary and the Baby Jesus are situated right at the centre of the painting and that they are also the brightest figures.

On the right, a very beautiful woman watches the scene whilst waiting her turn to present her child, who is tenderly nestled against her, just as the mother and families depicted beneath the table and in the background are doing.

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple