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1455 Oil on oak panel, 138 x 70 cm Alte Pinakothek, Munich The picture shows the Presentation in the Temple, the right panel of the altarpiece executed for the St Columba church in Cologne. According to Mosaic law, all firstborn sons had to be presented to God in the temple. When Mary and Joseph carried out this duty, the pious old Simeon recognized the child as the Redeemer whom, according to a prophecy, he was to see before he died. He thanks God with the words, "Lord, now lettest thou they servant depart in peace, according to thy word." The old prophetess Anna, who also recognizes the Christ, is standing behind Simeon. The servant behind Mary is holding two doves for the sacrifice of purification that followed childbirth.Artist:WEYDEN, Rogier van der Title: St Columba Altarpiece (right panel) Painted in 1401-1450 , Flemish - - painting : religious |
