The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (fresco, c.1305-1309) by Giotto di Bondone (c.1266-1337)
Giotto grips our attention in this portrayal of Simeon reaching out to hold the infant Jesus in his veiled hands. This detail from the great Florentine master’s fresco of the narrative traditionally known as the Presentation of Christ in the Temple invites us to imagine this story through the eyes of the devout old man. Luke recounts how it had been revealed to Simeon an old man of the temple, that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah. Simeon gazes, reverently upon the Christ child. As Simeon says, he may “depart in peace” now that his longing to see the Messiah has been fulfilled. Christ in contrast appears unsettled, his attention divided as he reaches out with his right arm for the protecting presence of his mother. (Mary is missing from the detail). Christ’s searching gesture evokes every newborn’s vulnerability. Even so the child’s gaze remains fixed upon the old man. In the visual power of the exchange between the two figures, Giotto transforms the moment into a profound spiritual revelation as one life begins and another is ending. The narrow space that separates the two heightens the contrast between the venerable old man and the innocent child. We recall Simeon’s prophecy that her child would cause Mary to suffer as if a sword had pierced her heart. Like Giotto’s 14th-century audience we find our own contemplation of this moment tinged with love and fear for the future of this Child and His Family.
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