Presentation of the Child
Author: Hendrik Van Balen
Origin: Antwerp, Flanders (?)
Dating: 16th-17th century
Material: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions (cm): 80,9 x 96,3
Inv. no.: PDdep0025
On the right side, one may see the Virgin, dressed in a pink tunic, with a dark veil and a blue mantle. She holds the newborn Child, profusely illuminated by a ray of light coming from the upper right corner, where two winged angels are watching the scene.
Enveloped in white cloths and resting on the straws of a manger, Jesus is accompanied by Saint Joseph, the protector, who stands and leans tenderly over the Family. Dressed in brown, he is flanked by an ox – symbolizing Christ’s sacrificial death on the Cross. To Mary’s right, a devout woman kneels – with hands in prayer – as she adores the Child.
