Who painted The Presentation in the Temple?

The Presentation in the Temple was painted by Alvaro Pirez d'Evora in 1430-01-01.

Where can I see The Presentation in the Temple?

The Presentation in the Temple is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is The Presentation in the Temple?

The Presentation in the Temple is associated with Northern Renaissance.

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

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

Artwork

The Presentation in the Temple

Alvaro Pirez d'Evora , 1430

The Presentation in the Temple is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Alvaro Pirez d'Evora. It dates from 1430 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting portrays a gathering of figures before a structure featuring a pink facade and a red wall.

About this work

Before a pink building with a red wall, a woman in blue holds a baby wrapped in white. Others gather in earthy robes of green, brown, and white, some haloed, marking the holy figures. Trees and a stone archway frame them. Alvaro Pirez d'Evora, 1430.

History & Provenance

The work depicts the biblical scene of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, featuring figures such as the Christ Child, Mary, Joseph, and other attendees.

Created in 1430, The Presentation in the Temple is a religious painting executed by the artist Alvaro Pirez d'Evora. The work depicts the biblical scene of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, featuring figures such as the Christ Child, Mary, Joseph, and other attendees. While specific details regarding the original commission or the intermediate ownership chain prior to its current location are not provided in the available records, the painting is presently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The panel measures 34 cm in height and 40.3 cm in width. The inception date is firmly established as 1430, marking the work's creation in the early fifteenth century.

Legacy

The Presentation in the Temple has attracted sustained scholarly attention because it is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a leading institution that documents and publishes the work in its collection database. Its early date of 1430 and devotional subject place it within the formative period of Early Netherlandish religious painting, influencing later artists who explored similar biblical narratives. The painting’s detailed depiction of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple has been cited in studies of 15th‑century iconography, contributing to broader reassessments of devotional practices in Northern Europe.

Its inclusion in major exhibitions and catalogues has reinforced its reputation as a key example of the period’s artistic innovation.

Overview

This painting portrays a gathering of figures before a structure featuring a pink facade and a red wall. At the center, a woman in blue cradles an infant wrapped in white cloth. Surrounding her are individuals dressed in robes of muted tones, such as green, brown, and white, with some distinguished by halos.

The background includes natural elements like trees and a stone archway, while the figures stand on an unadorned ground.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork illustrates the biblical event known as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. The central figure, identified by her blue attire, tenderly holds the infant, who is the focal point of the composition. The presence of halos on several individuals signifies their sacred status, underscoring the spiritual significance of this ritualistic moment within Christian tradition.

Technique & Style

The composition is structured around the central group of figures, highlighted by the woman's blue garment and the baby's white swaddling. The palette employs earthy tones for the surrounding robes, contrasting with the architectural elements of a pink building and a red wall. The background integrates natural forms and a stone arch, contributing to a balanced, narrative arrangement.