The Presentation in the Temple

Ambrogio Lorenzetti (c. 1290–1348) — 1342 · Tempera on panel · Uffizi Gallery, Florence

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:” — Luke 2:29 (KJV)

About

Ambrogio Lorenzetti's Presentation (1342, Uffizi) shows the temple rite of Luke 2: tall architecture, priests, the aged Simeon holding the child with covered hands, and the prophetess Anna with her scroll. It is one of the earliest Italian panels built on true perspective space.

The Meaning

The picture is the meeting of ages: the old covenant's saints receiving the new covenant's child. Simeon's song is written into his face — a man allowed to die in peace because his eyes have seen the Lord's Christ.

For Us Today

Wait on God like Simeon — in the temple, in the Spirit, watching for the promise — and your eyes, too, will see His salvation before you die (Luke 2:30).

Image: Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons — the file’s page. Tap the picture to open the full-size original there.