The Presentation in the Temple, plate four from the Life of the Virgin and Christ c. 1470

"The Presentation in the Temple", made with an engraving by Francesco Rosselli, invites us into a Renaissance vision of a biblical episode. Rosselli, living in Florence during a time of immense artistic and cultural change, presents his interpretation of a momentous event. Here, we observe Mary and Joseph presenting the infant Jesus in the Temple, a ritual highlighting the role of women in religious practice. Rosselli situates this intimate family moment within a grand architectural setting, possibly reflecting the contemporary Florentine architecture. Statues of armed men watch over the scene. What tensions exist between the expectations of motherhood, religious law, and political authority in this scene? Consider how Rosselli uses line and perspective to guide our eyes through the temple, inviting us to consider the emotional weight of this moment. What does this print tell us about family, faith, and citizenship in the Italian Renaissance?