What, you don't have a painting of your circumcision?
Ambrogio Lorenzetti's "Presentation of Jesus in the Temple" is one of his more well known and influential pieces. For biographical information on the Lorenzetti brothers, please refer to Mitch's post, "The Lorenzetti Brothers."
In my previous blog post I discussed the painting structure for the various "Madonna Enthroned." Similarly, the "Presentation" is a painting archetype whose origins can be soundly traced to the 11th century. I say soundly because the depiction of the Presentation had a spotty or, as Wolbrink would say "sketchy", reputation until the 11th century. The reason for this being that the Greek Orthodox church did not recognize the "Presentation" as one of the major festivals of Christ until this point (Shorr, 19). However, the origins of the festival itself, know as Hypapante (see "History" section), can be traced all the way back to the 4th century. There was a discrepancy between the western and eastern traditions of Hypapante, which also contributed to the latency of the depiction of this sacred presentation. Now, to the scene its self.
As you can see, this is obviously a sacred scene, noted by the aureola (minds out of the gutter) around the heads of religious figures. This scene is actually a depiction of an event in the Gospel of Luke-the presentation (aka circumcision) of Christ. You will find five people steadfastly in the "Presentation" scene- Mary, Jesus, Simon, Joseph and the prophet/seer Anna. These figures are found in even the earliest depictions of the "Presentation." As time went on however, we find that secular figures were added to the depiction.
For a closer hands-on look, click here
Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
c.1342
This brings us to the significance of Lorenzetti's specific "Presentation". First of all, Ambrogio's is the first "Presentation" dated that introduce the High Priest (aka the guy in the middle) into the mix (Shorr, 27-28). Why would this make such a significant difference? As we have learned in class, the naturalistic approach to art was becoming popular. So, it would be appropriate to add a high priest into a depiction of a scene in a temple, rather than just focus on the sacred figure. What also sets this depiction apart from previous pieces is the naturalistic characteristics in general. Ambrogio does away with hierarchal scaling, and really plays up the architecture of the scene and sizes the people appropriately. Another breakthrough aspect of naturalism that can be found in this depiction is the behavior of Christ. He looks like an actual dumbfounded new born (ex: finger in mouth), as opposed to the all-knowing genius baby found in Byzantine paintings. Lastly, Ambrogio plays up the gothic architecture. Originally this panel was intended for the Duomo in Sienna, and you can tell similarities in style (Zucker & Harris, Smarthistory).
Sources:
Shorr, Dorothy C. f. "The Iconographic Development of the Presentation in the Temple ." Art Bulletin . Vol. 28.No. 1 (1946): 17-32. Print. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/3047041>.
"Lorenzetti's Presentation of Jesus in the Temple" (video). Smarthistory.org. Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Steven Zucker (2 min 27 sec). Accessed September 12, 2013. <http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/lorenzetti-presentation-in-the-temple.html> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presentation_at_the_Temple_(Ambrogio_Lorenzetti)>
JRC
Fun introduction, and idea. Great sources. I like the idea of "breakthrough" towards naturalism, which is showing you about historical evolution so you can see transitions and stages as we head towards the 1400s and 1500s in art "biggies", Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio.
ReplyDeleteThe circumcision becomes such a well-accounted for idea for Jesus because it added to his historical authenticity. Since he died, but rose, there are very few remnants of Jesus (we have relics for Veronica's veil, the spear that poked him, swaddling cloth); therefore the circumcision and even breast milk become important. One of the points that I hit home in every pre-modern history class is that we need see religion through the eyes of those living at that time. Should you have a rich aunt who bestows you with a healthy travel endowment (Aunt Edna), traveling through Italy gives you insight into all sorts of relics, bodies, blood and miracles that add to the idea that these things are still important in modern Italy and exist side by side with McDonalds, cell phones, and wifi.
I really love this piece. The ability to make the building the figures are gathered in appear as if it has depth is so impressive. Also the architecture depicted is beautiful. I wonder who the two men are at the top of the piece and what is on their banners?
ReplyDeleteGreat art and interesting information. I really liked the idea of naturalism presented in the painting. I do wonder why the aspect of architecture was so important and why it seems to play such a big role in the presentation of this piece?
ReplyDeleteBen, the two men at the top of the piece are the prophets Moses and Malachi. The scrolls they hold are latin texts taken from each prophets respective texts. Moses' scroll refers to the Purification command that two doves or pigeons should be present (as sacrifice) if a lamb is unable to be present. The words in Malachi's scroll come from the 3rd chapter of his own book. The latin translates to, "And the Lord you seek shall suddenly come to his Temple, even the messenger of the Covenant who ye delight in." This messenger was to come and purify the scene basically make sure everything was all good and righteous-like (Shorr, 27).
ReplyDelete