The Presentation in the Temple 1485 - 1515

This bronze plaquette, “The Presentation in the Temple,” was crafted by Moderno in the late 15th or early 16th century. During the Renaissance, religious narratives were often reimagined through the lens of humanism, and the presentation of Jesus in the temple became a stage for exploring societal roles and power dynamics. Here, the ritualistic act is set against the backdrop of Renaissance architecture. The figures, draped in classical robes, evoke a sense of timelessness, yet their interactions hint at the complex choreography of gender and authority. Notice how the women, including Mary, are positioned, their gestures suggesting both reverence and a constrained agency. The high priest, Simeon, embodies patriarchal authority. Consider how Moderno uses this biblical scene to reflect on the social structures of his time. “The Presentation in the Temple” becomes a space where faith meets the emerging social consciousness of the Renaissance, inviting us to consider the evolving roles and representations of individuals within the religious and cultural landscape.