Gospel in Art: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Presentation at the Temple, by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, 1342 © Uffizi Gallery, Florence / Alamy

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 2 February 2025
Luke 2:22-32

When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, 'Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord') and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, 'a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.'

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the Temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

'Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation

that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and for glory to your people Israel.'

Reflection on the painting

Our painting by Lorenzetti originally decorated the altar of St Crescentius in the magnificent Cathedral of Siena. It depicts the Presentation at the Temple, an event which, according to Hebraic Law, had to take place place forty days after a child's birth.

Central to the composition, framed by two slender columns, are the Madonna holding the cloth that swaddled the child, the child himself with lively, moving feet and a finger in his mouth, and Simeon speaking while taking the child in his arms. At the far left, Joseph stands quietly, preceded by two women who lack aureoles, marking that they have no holy status. To the right is Anna, accompanied by a Latin cartouche quoting the Gospel of Luke (2:38): "And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem." Behind the altar, a priest prepares the sacrificial pigeons for the purification offering, holding a knife in one hand while the pigeons are placed to the side, shifting focus from the centre to emphasise the significance of the ritual. Pigeons were the cheapest animal offerings in a temple, hence the artist stressing that Mary and Joseph were of very humble background.

The overall setting is a finely decorated Gothic church, reminiscent of the Cathedral of Siena, featuring a nave and two aisles, each adorned with three-foiled ogival arches. Above the priests, a triumphal arch showcases two angels holding a clipeus with the Blessing Christ. The lunettes of the aisles contain prophets, while atop the foreground columns stand small statues of Moses, holding the Ten Commandments, and Joshua, grasping the Sun. Higher up, above the intricately detailed marble intarsia of arches and dragon-patterned friezes, is a garland held by a series of angels.

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord highlights the deep connection between Christianity and its Jewish roots. In Jewish tradition, particularly in the writings of the prophet Isaiah, Israel is called to be a light to the nations, revealing God's presence to the world. In the gospel account, the devout elder Simeon recognises the infant Jesus, brought to the Temple by Mary and Joseph, as the one who will fulfil this calling. Simeon declares that this child will be a light for the Gentiles and bring glory to Israel, embodying the hopes and mission of his people. His life-long yearning is fulfilled in this moment, leading him to a profound prayer of surrender, which has become a cherished part of the Church's Night Prayer. We recite Simeon's prayer every night.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-2-22-32-2025/