Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Mantegna

This unique depiction of the Presentation of Christ, by A. Mantegna, gives us a view of the event as if we are looking through a window in the Temple. The Blessed Virgin and Simeon stand with their hands over the windowsill. Mary holds the swaddled Infant Jesus as Simeon reaches out to take the Child. The seriousness of the expression on Simeon's face reflects the gravity of his prophecy concerning the sufferings of Christ and His Mother. St. Joseph stands behind and between Mary and Simeon. The holy woman Anna and a young boy stand behind Joseph in the background.