Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple 1644 - 1659

Valerio Castello's "Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple" is a detailed pen and ink drawing on paper depicting the biblical story of Mary's presentation in the Temple. The drawing, created between 1644 and 1659, showcases Castello’s ability to capture the movement and emotion of the scene. The work, which is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features an intricate rendering of the architecture and a dynamic composition, with figures ascending stairs, a central figure in the foreground, and a crowd of people behind them. The drawing provides a glimpse into Castello's artistic process and his interpretation of a significant religious event.