Joachim and Anna Giving Food to the Poor and Offerings to the Temple c. 1400 - 1405

"Joachim and Anna Giving Food to the Poor and Offerings to the Temple" (c. 1400 - 1405) is a tempera painting on a gold ground by the Italian artist Andrea di Bartolo. The painting depicts the biblical story of the parents of the Virgin Mary, Joachim and Anna, giving alms to the poor and making offerings at the Temple in Jerusalem. This painting, typical of early Renaissance art, features a rich gold background and detailed depictions of the figures and architecture. Di Bartolo’s attention to detail and use of color can be seen in the fine ornamentation of the clothing, architecture, and in the expressive faces of the figures. This small artwork reveals di Bartolo’s mastery of figural representation and his ability to capture the emotional weight of this important biblical story.