Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Lochner, 1447)

Presentation of Christ in the Temple is a painting by the German artist Stefan Lochner, created c. 1447. it is held in the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, in Lisbon.

It is the first of two of Lochner's treatments of the subject - a larger painting completed two years later is kept at the Hessisches Landesmuseum, Darmstadt, Germany.

[3] The work seems derived from and influenced by Flemish art; similarity can be seen in the facial type given to Simeon, as well as certain elements of the architecture.

The Virgin stands to the left, to her right is Anna the Prophetess and behind her, only partially visible is St. Joseph, who holds the sacrificial doves.

[2] Although the painting is quite flat, perspective is achieved through the subtle fall of light which creates distance between the rear wall and framing arch.