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Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple (Center Panel)

John Baptist Jackson

1742

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century

Dominant colour

Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple (Center Panel) is a 1742 ink by John Baptist Jackson, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Baptist Jackson
When & what style?: 1742 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This scene shows a group of people gathered outside a tall building with columns. Some are standing, some are pointing or gesturing, and a few are on a balcony or ledge above. One person on the balcony holds a book or paper while others lean over the edge. The background has a staircase, trees, and a smaller figure climbing a tower-like structure. Notice the mix of light and shadow—some faces are bright, others dark—which makes the figures pop. The artist used layers of brown and gray to create this effect. Want to know more? Look up woodcut to see how this printing technique works.