Jacopo de’ Barbari made this engraving of the Presentation in the Temple around 1500, a time of great religious and social change in Europe. The image depicts the biblical episode where Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem. Consider how the scene reflects the cultural and religious values of its time. During the Renaissance, the Catholic Church was a dominant force in society, acting as a major patron of the arts. This print would have reinforced religious doctrine and ideals by illustrating key biblical scenes. De’ Barbari was working in Venice. His style shows the influence of the German artist Dürer, and also the new interest in classical art and ideals. It’s interesting to consider how his art circulated in elite social circles, influencing the taste and collecting habits of those in power. When we analyze art, we’re piecing together clues about the past and how these institutions shaped how people thought about the world.