The Presentation in the Temple
Unknown Artist
16th or 17th century
Medium
linen, silk, metal
Dimensions
25 x 35 in. (63.5 x 88.9 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Embroidered
Culture
Spanish, German or Swiss
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.1928
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold *The Presentation in the Temple*, a stunning embroidered textile from the 16 or 17th century likely crafted in Spain, Germany, or Switzerland. This depicts a pivotal biblical scene from the Gospel Luke, where the Virgin Mary and Joseph present infant Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. Elderly figures, including the prophet Simeon, recognize the child as the Messiah, surrounded by attendants—evident in the tags highlighting men, Jesus, and the Virgin Mary. Measuring 25 x 35 inches, it exemplifies the opulence of period ecclesiastical art. Crafted from linen, silk, and metal threads, the ...