Presentatie in de tempel 1692 - 1739

Louis Desplaces created this print, “Presentation in the Temple,” in the early 18th century, capturing a pivotal moment in the Virgin Mary’s early life. The steps leading to the temple are populated with figures, yet Mary, presented by her parents, ascends towards the high priest. The act of presentation, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, carries profound symbolism. This echoes motifs found in pagan rituals, where offerings were made to deities, seeking favor and divine connection. The gesture of offering a child, a pure and innocent being, resonates with the archaic need to bridge the human and the divine. Consider the recurring image of mothers and children across cultures. From ancient Egyptian depictions of Isis and Horus to Renaissance Madonnas, this motif embodies themes of nurturing, protection, and the cyclical nature of life. It’s a visual echo, resonating through time, reflecting our collective unconscious and the primal bond between mother and child. The emotional power of this image engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, evoking feelings of reverence and tenderness. The cyclical progression of this symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.