Who painted Presentation of Christ in the Temple?

Presentation of Christ in the Temple was painted by Lorenzo Costa in 1502.

Where can I see Presentation of Christ in the Temple?

Presentation of Christ in the Temple is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Presentation of Christ in the Temple?

Presentation of Christ in the Temple is associated with High Renaissance.

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

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

Artwork

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Lorenzo Costa , 1502

Presentation of Christ in the Temple is a paint painting by the High Renaissance artist Lorenzo Costa. It dates from 1502 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Lorenzo Costa’s *Presentation of Christ in the Temple* (1502) is an early‑sixteenth‑century panel painting now in the Gemäldegalerie, Berlin. The work depicts the biblical episode in which the infant Jesus is brought to the temple, surrounded by a modestly composed group of figures rendered in contemporary dress.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the newborn Christ, cradled by a woman—traditionally identified as the Virgin Mary—while a male figure nearby presents a small bird, a symbolic offering. Additional participants, including a staff‑bearing man and a basket‑holding woman, emphasize the ritual’s communal aspect and the solemnity of the dedication ceremony.

Technique & Style

Executed in paint on panel, Costa employs a restrained palette of muted tones and smooth modeling to convey the serene atmosphere. Figures are clothed in long, flowing robes that echo Renaissance costume, and the shallow architectural backdrop consists of a plain wall with minimal decorative motifs, focusing attention on the central narrative.

History & Provenance

Created in 1502, the painting entered the collection of the Gemäldegalerie, Berlin, where it remains on display. Its provenance prior to acquisition by the museum is not extensively documented, but the work reflects Costa’s activity in the Ferrarese and Bolognese courts during the turn of the century.

Context

The scene derives from the Gospel of Luke, a popular subject for devotional art in the Italian Renaissance. Costa’s treatment aligns with contemporary trends that combined biblical storytelling with a humanized, courtly presentation, allowing viewers to relate the sacred event to familiar social settings.