MAGNIFICAT: THE ART ESSAY OF THE MONTH The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (1304–1306) by Giotto (c. 1266–1337) The return of God’s glory The Presentation in the Temple is a distinct narrative …More
MAGNIFICAT: THE ART ESSAY OF THE MONTH
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (1304–1306) by Giotto (c. 1266–1337)
The return of God’s glory
The Presentation in the Temple is a distinct narrative moment drawn from Giotto’s chef-d’œuvre: the grand fresco cycle that enlivens the Scrovegni Chapel floor to ceiling with the story of salvation. The Presentation depicts a critical juncture within this broader historical sequence.
Since its establishment, the Temple in Jerusalem was the locus of the divine presence, the dwelling place of God amongst men. However, shortly before the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 587 b.c., the glory of the Lord departed from the Temple and the ark of the covenant vanished from history. Upon their return to the holy city after long years in exile, the Jews constructed a new Temple. Each stone was laid with expectant longing—that the glory of God might one day return.
“Today the living Ark of the covenant is ascending the steps that lead up to the Temple …More
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (1304–1306) by Giotto (c. 1266–1337)
The return of God’s glory
The Presentation in the Temple is a distinct narrative moment drawn from Giotto’s chef-d’œuvre: the grand fresco cycle that enlivens the Scrovegni Chapel floor to ceiling with the story of salvation. The Presentation depicts a critical juncture within this broader historical sequence.
Since its establishment, the Temple in Jerusalem was the locus of the divine presence, the dwelling place of God amongst men. However, shortly before the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 587 b.c., the glory of the Lord departed from the Temple and the ark of the covenant vanished from history. Upon their return to the holy city after long years in exile, the Jews constructed a new Temple. Each stone was laid with expectant longing—that the glory of God might one day return.
“Today the living Ark of the covenant is ascending the steps that lead up to the Temple …More