The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Currently not on view

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

c. 1630-1640

Leonard Bramer (Dutch (active Rome and Delft), 1596–1674)

In this New Testament scene, the high priest of the Temple of Jerusalem holds the Christ child in his arms before the altar to perform the redemption of the firstborn, in obedience to the Law of Moses. The two priests at left rely on the open tomes in their laps to help officiate the service. It is a misconception that religious imagery disappeared after the onset of the Protestant Reformation in the Netherlands. Rather, religious scenes shifted from iconic images of religious figures to narrative subjects that illustrated specific episodes from the Bible.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Date:

c. 1630-1640

Artist:

Leonard Bramer (Dutch (active Rome and Delft), 1596–1674)

Medium:

Oil on panel

Dimensions:

21 1/4 x 28 3/4 inches (54 x 73 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

John G. Johnson Collection, 1917

Accession Number:

Cat. 489

Geography:

Made in Netherlands, Europe

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Currently not on view