The artwork, titled “Presentation of the Virgin,” was created by the artist Domenico Ghirlandaio between 1486 and 1490. This fresco is part of the Early Renaissance art movement and falls under the genre of religious painting. It is currently located at Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy.
The fresco captures a scene set within an elaborate architectural space. The Virgin Mary, depicted as a young girl, is shown ascending steps towards the high priest, symbolizing her dedication to the Temple. The surrounding figures, adorned in richly colored garments, exhibit diverse expressions, highlighting Ghirlandaio’s attention to human emotion and intricate detail. The linear perspective and use of light create depth, enhancing the sense of space and realism that characterizes Early Renaissance art. The columns and arches in the background emphasize the grandeur of the setting, grounding the spiritual narrative in a believable, yet idealized, architectural environment.
