The Presentation in the Temple
Maker
(Artists)
1577-1640
1577-1640
Title
The Presentation in the Temple
Date of Production
1611-13
Medium
oil on panel
Dimensions
Height: 83 cm (panel)
Width: 30.4 cm (panel)
Width: 30.4 cm (panel)
Accession Number
P.1978.PG.360
Mode of Acquisition
Count Antoine Seilern, bequest, 1978
Credit
The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)
Location
On display
Keywords
Related Works
Label Text
In 1611, Peter Paul Rubens was asked to paint a three-panel altarpiece for a side chapel in Antwerp Cathedral. These preparatory works are studies for this major commission. Rubens used them to define the dramatic composition. He may have also shown them to his patrons for approval before embarking on the large altarpiece.
The biblical scenes all feature the body of Christ being supported — within his pregnant mother (left); by the priest Simeon soon after his birth (right); and by figures lowering him from the cross after his death (centre). Chosen by the guild who commissioned the altarpiece, the episodes allude to its patron saint, Christopher (‘Christ-bearer’ in Greek).
The central panel is especially moving. The Virgin Mary, in blue, reaches out to her son. Despite the scene’s intense grief, Christ’s lifeless body seems graceful.
The biblical scenes all feature the body of Christ being supported — within his pregnant mother (left); by the priest Simeon soon after his birth (right); and by figures lowering him from the cross after his death (centre). Chosen by the guild who commissioned the altarpiece, the episodes allude to its patron saint, Christopher (‘Christ-bearer’ in Greek).
The central panel is especially moving. The Virgin Mary, in blue, reaches out to her son. Despite the scene’s intense grief, Christ’s lifeless body seems graceful.
Provenance
Giovanelli coll., Venice, before 1732 until before 1933. Acquired by Count Antoine Seilern from Dr Vitale Bloch, 1935; Princes Gate Bequest 1978
Exhibition History
Peter Paul Rubens - A Touch of Brilliance, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 20/09/2003-08/02/2004
Rubens - A Closer Look, Courtauld Institute Gallery, London, 18/01/1987-26/04/1987
Rubens - A Closer Look, Courtauld Institute Gallery, London, 18/01/1987-26/04/1987
Literature
Peter Paul Rubens: the drawings, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 15 January - 3 April 2005 New York, New Haven, London 2005
p. 162 under no. 44
Fig. p. fig. 94 on p. 162
in file for PG.56
Peter Paul Rubens - A Touch of Brilliance, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 2003-2004
cat. no. 4
Fig. p. pl. 4
Rubens - A Closer Look, Courtauld Institute Gallery, London, 1987
unpag.
p. 162 under no. 44
Fig. p. fig. 94 on p. 162
in file for PG.56
Peter Paul Rubens - A Touch of Brilliance, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 2003-2004
cat. no. 4
Fig. p. pl. 4
Rubens - A Closer Look, Courtauld Institute Gallery, London, 1987
unpag.
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