Laurent de La Hyre, The Presentation in the Temple, c. 1648, NGA 62983

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Laurent de La Hyre, The Presentation in the Temple, c. 1648, NGA 62983

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Summary

Public domain photograph of portrait print, engraving, 16th-17th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The Presentation in the Temple, also known as the Purification of the Virgin or the Meeting of the Lord, is a scene from the New Testament that depicts the presentation of the baby Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem. According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to fulfill the requirements of Jewish law, which mandated that a mother who had given birth to a male child must undergo a period of purification before being allowed to reenter the community. At the Temple, they encountered two elderly prophets, Simeon and Anna, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and praised God for his arrival.

The Presentation in the Temple is significant in several ways. It highlights the obedience of Mary and Joseph to the laws and traditions of their faith, and underscores their commitment to raising Jesus as a faithful Jew. It also foreshadows the role that Jesus would play as a teacher and leader, as Simeon and Anna recognized him as the Messiah and praised God for his arrival.

The scene is often depicted as a peaceful and contemplative moment, with Mary and Joseph holding the baby Jesus, while Simeon and Anna look on with awe and wonder. The imagery of the Presentation in the Temple is often used to evoke themes of obedience, devotion, and recognition of the divine presence in the world.

The image of Mary holding the Christ Child is a common depiction in Christian art and is known as the "Madonna and Child." It represents the mother of Jesus and her son and is a symbol of motherhood, love, and compassion.

Laurent de La Hyre was a French Baroque painter who was born in Paris in 1606. He was a prominent figure in the French art scene of the 17th century and was known for his religious and mythological paintings, as well as his portraits and landscapes. La Hyre was influenced by the classical style of painting and his works often feature strong, idealised figures and a sense of harmony and balance. He was a member of the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture and was highly regarded by his contemporaries. Some of his most famous works include "Allegory of Music" and "Allegory of Astronomy", as well as religious paintings such as "Saint Paul Shipwrecked in Malta" and "Saint Peter Healing the Sick with His Shadow". Laurent de La Hyre died in 1656, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful and influential paintings that are still admired and studied today.

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Date

1600 - 1700
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Source

National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
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Copyright info

public domain

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