Artwork

Presentation in the Temple

Presentation in the Temple, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1631
Presentation in the Temple, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1631

Presentation in the Temple is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jacques Callot’s Presentation in the Temple is an early‑17th‑century etching executed on laid paper. Dated around 1631, the print belongs to the prolific output of the French‑Lorrain baroque printmaker, who left a legacy of more than a thousand images spanning religious, military and genre subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a solemn gathering inside a monumental, columned interior. At its heart a woman presents an infant, while surrounding figures kneel or stand in attentive poses, suggesting a liturgical ceremony that balances reverence with a bustling, orderly presence.

Technique & Style

Callot achieved the intricate architecture and richly draped garments through delicate, intersecting lines that model light and shadow. The work was produced by incising a metal plate with acid, a classic etching process, allowing the artist to render fine textures and a sense of depth on the paper surface.

History & Provenance

Created during Callot’s most productive period, the print reflects his reputation for documenting contemporary life with precision. It circulated among collectors of the time and later entered museum collections, illustrating the broad appeal of his religious series.

Context

The image aligns with the baroque fascination for grand, theatrical spaces and the interplay of sacred narrative with everyday observation. Callot’s choice of a temple setting mirrors the era’s interest in combining architectural grandeur with intimate devotional moments.

The Circumcision
The Circumcision, Jacques Callot

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques Callot

Artist

Jacques Callot

Jacques Callot (French: ; c. 1592 – 1635) was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine. He is an important person in the development of the old master print. He made more than 1,400 etchings that…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Presentation in the Temple?

Presentation in the Temple was painted by Jacques Callot in 1631.

Where can I see Presentation in the Temple?

Presentation in the Temple is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Presentation in the Temple?

Presentation in the Temple is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Presentation in the Temple?

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