Who painted Presentation of Jesus in the Temple?

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple was painted by Jan van Scorel in 1535.

Where can I see Presentation of Jesus in the Temple?

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Presentation of Jesus in the Temple?

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Presentation of Jesus in the Temple?

Museum-quality prints of Presentation of Jesus in the Temple are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Jan van Scorel , 1535

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jan van Scorel. It dates from 1535 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Jan van Scorel’s oil painting, dated 1535, portrays the biblical episode of the infant Jesus being brought to the temple. The composition centers on a priest holding the child, surrounded by a semi‑circular group of formally dressed figures. The setting is an architecturally grand interior, marked by stone arches and columns that convey a solemn atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The work illustrates the Presentation of Jesus, a ritual described in the Gospel of Luke where Mary and Joseph fulfill the law by presenting their son at the temple. The arrangement of figures and the reverent posture of the priest emphasize the theological significance of the event as a moment of dedication and covenant.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, van Scorel employs a restrained palette of earth tones that lend the scene a muted, contemplative quality. Fine brushwork renders the intricate details of the priest’s ornate vestments and the architectural elements, while subtle modeling creates a sense of depth and quiet dignity.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑sixteenth century, the painting entered the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s workshop in the Netherlands before being acquired by the imperial collection in the early modern period.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Jan van Scorel

Jan van Scorel was a Dutch painter, who played a leading role in introducing aspects of Italian Renaissance painting into Dutch and Flemish Renaissance painting.