The Presentation in the Temple 1503 - 1506

Albrecht Dürer made this woodcut depicting "The Presentation in the Temple" in the late 15th or early 16th century. This biblical scene shows Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. Dürer was German and lived during a time of great social and religious change, namely the Protestant Reformation. His art often reflected religious themes, responding to the changing religious landscape and the growing criticism of the Catholic Church. Here, the temple setting, with its classical columns, evokes a sense of established authority. Yet Dürer's detailed rendering and focus on human emotion may also reflect the humanist values that gained traction during the Renaissance and Reformation. Studying Dürer's prints in the context of the Reformation reveals how artists contributed to the religious debates of their time. Examining pamphlets, sermons, and other visual materials helps us understand the dynamic interplay between art, religion, and society in early modern Europe.