“The Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple,” executed by Giotto around 1320, is a religious painting from the Proto-Renaissance art movement, created using tempera on panel. The artwork, measuring 43.6 x 45.2 cm, is housed in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Fenway Court) in Boston, Massachusetts, US.
The artwork depicts a sacred biblical scene of the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple. Central to the composition, the infant Jesus is shown being held and presented by Simeon, a figure characterized by his long beard and earnest expression. Mary, the mother of Jesus, stands beside him, extending her hands towards the child, symbolizing both offering and acceptance. Accompanying them are two more figures, possibly Joseph and the prophetess Anna, each uniquely garbed in richly colored robes. The characters are placed under an ornate, architectural structure that resembles a temple canopy, symbolizing the holy setting of the event. The gold background further enhances the solemn and sacred nature of the scene, highlighting the spiritual significance and divine light surrounding the figures. The meticulous use of tempera on panel showcases Giotto’s skill in rendering textures and drapery, contributing to the depth and realism that define Proto-Renaissance art.
