The Presentation in the Temple c. 17th century

Curator: Philips Koninck, born in 1619, created this delicate pen and brown ink wash drawing, "The Presentation in the Temple," which now resides at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The immediate impression is one of quiet reverence, isn't it? The composition, though small, radiates solemnity. Curator: Indeed, and the materiality speaks volumes. Koninck's use of brown ink wash, a relatively inexpensive and accessible medium, points to a practical approach, focusing on efficient storytelling. Editor: I see the presentation as a potent symbol of covenant and destiny. The act of offering the child, framed by these figures, evokes centuries of religious meaning. Curator: The economic exchange inherent in the ritual can not be ignored either. The materials used in the temple, the labor involved...these all contribute to constructing this sacred space. Editor: Ultimately, for me, it's the symbolic weight of the moment depicted that resonates most powerfully. Curator: For me it's about the artist's process.