PDdep0010

Presentation of the Child to John the Baptist
Author: Unknown
Origin: Unknown
Dating: 19th century (?)
Material: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions (cm): 89,8 x 106,8
Inv. no.: PDdep0010

On one side, almost in the centre of the painting is, in all probably, the family of Saint John the Baptist: Saint Zechariah, Saint Elizabeth and the infant Saint John the Baptist – dressed in a dark tunic and in a brown cape, draped over his shoulders.

The central figure – Saint Elizabeth – wears a mauve tunic with a gray mantle covering her head and shoulders. Her right leg is bent as a sign of respect, supporting a young child who raises his arms and clasps his hands in prayer. Beside the group is a lamb, a symbol of the Good Shepherd.

On the opposite side, one may see Mary, Joseph and the Child. Joseph is positioned near the edge of the painting, next to a rosebush – a symbol of Mary. In front of him is the Virgin with her hair bound. She holds the Child, naked, with blond hair surrounded by a halo. She presents Him to John and his parents.

A lush, fruit-bearing tree with branches heavy with what seems to be apples, forms a canopy over the group. An angel, perched on a bough, reaches out to take one of the apples, symbolizing the future redemptive mission of the Jesus.

Objeto museológico (PDB)