Presentation at the Temple

The painting is ascribable to an unknown author of the second half of the 17th century. Made in a style that reveals strong Roman and Bolognese influences for the impressiveness of the images and the classicism of the drapery, the detail of Saint Ann painted and built in a very similar posture, makes us think of the work of Orazio Gentileschi from Fabriano. Through a rare iconography and a complex and crowded composition, the painting shows an unusual presentation of Jesus at the temple. The scene illustrates the Virgin holding up the blessing Child, surrounded by Saints Joseph, Joachim, Anna and Simeon showing an open book on the inscription "Coram ipso omnibus diebus nostris" and Elizabeth holding Saint John.