His name was called Jesus, as the angel had commanded, and after
forty days they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,
and to offer a sacrifice, according to the ancient law. And Simeon,
waiting for the consolation of Israel, came by the spirit into the
temple when the parents brought in the child Jesus; and he took him
up into his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou
thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation."
(Luke 2:25-35.) And Anna, a prophetess of great age, coming up at
that very hour, gave thanks to God and spake of him to all them that
were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38.)
_Bartolommeo, Plate 18,_ depicts the moment when Simeon says "Now
lettest thou thy servant depart in peace"--the _Nunc Dimittis_ of the
Latin Church (Luke 2:29). Joseph has the two doves for the offering
(Lev. 12:6 and 8). In the distance the priest may be seen at the
altar, his robe ornamented with the sacred fringe (Ex. 39:26) that
there may be no mistaking him. Anna is present, and is, evidently,
about to speak. The steps are of marble and the columns richly
carved, because of the words of the artist-disciple recorded in Mark
13:1.
[Illustration: Presentation at the Temple.]
Plate 18. _Presentation at the Temple._ Bartolommeo Del Fattorino.
1475-1517.
_Champaigne, Plate 15,_ has chosen the moment when Simeon says to
Mary, "This child is set for the falling and rising up of many in
Israel." (Luke 2:34.)
[Illustration: Presentation at the Temple.]
Plate 15. _Presentation at the Temple._ Champaigne. 1602-1674.
_Borgognone, Plate 16,_ selects for his picture the last moment, when
Simeon returns the child to the mother with the words "Yea, and a
sword shall pierce through thine own soul, also." (Luke 2:35.)
[Illustration: Presentation at the Temple.]
Plate 16. _Presentation at the Temple._ Borgognone. 1445-1523.
_Bourdon, Plate 17,_ represents the instant when Anna arrives (at the
extreme left), "coming up at that very hour." (Luke 2:38.)
[Illustration: Presentation at the Temple.]
Plate 17. _Presentation at the Temple._ Sebastien Bourdon. 1616-1671.
_Bartolommeo,_ again, _Plate 19,_ adds what he pleases to the
original story.
[Illustration: Presentation at the Temple.]
Plate 19. _Presentation at the Temple._ Fra Bartolommeo. 1469-1517.