Twaalfjarige Chistus in de Tempel en de Bevrijding van Petrus 1475 - 1518

Boccaccio Boccaccino made this drawing, Twaalfjarige Christus in de Tempel en de Bevrijding van Petrus, using pen and brush in the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century. The drawing depicts two biblical scenes, the upper left of which is Christ among the doctors of the law, and the other, the Liberation of Saint Peter. Drawn in Italy, this work is evidence of the cultural importance that biblical scripture held at that time. The papacy was a major political force, and even the Renaissance's new focus on the classical world didn't eclipse the religion that had dominated the region for centuries. As we can see in the organization of the composition, the architecture has similarities to what we know of the temples of antiquity. Works like this one are fascinating for what they reveal about the cultural and religious beliefs of people who lived hundreds of years ago. By examining the imagery, subject matter, and style of such artworks, we gain insights into the social structures, values, and concerns of past societies. It is through historical investigation that we can truly understand and appreciate the meaning and significance of art.