Artist Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (Italian, August 30, 1727–March 3, 1804)
Title The Presentation of Mary in the Temple
Series A New Testament
Date 1786–1790
Medium Brown ink and wash over black chalk on paper
Dimensions Image: 18 1/4 × 13 3/4 in. (46.4 × 34.9 cm)
Sheet: 19 1/2 × 15 in. (49.5 × 38.1 cm)
Framed: 25 1/2 × 21 × 2 1/8 in. (64.8 × 53.3 × 5.4 cm)
Credit Line The Anthony Moravec Collection of Old Master Drawings, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University
Accession Number 2010.113
About this Work
The son of the famous Venetian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Domenico was also a noted draftsman. His graphic style, more earthbound and rooted in observation than his father’s, bears his distinctive trembling line quality. Domenico worked in serial narratives, including his New Testament cycle, numbering at least 320 sheets. This image is one of twelve drawings from this important series in Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art’s collection (Eskenazi Museum of Art 2010.111-.122). By combining narrative elements from a variety of literary sources with details of daily life, Domenico brought new life to these biblical stories.
This episode from the Life of the Virgin takes elements from the Golden Legend, such as Mary ascending fifteen steps—one for each Psalm, but adds the girl’s youthful enthusiasm and an audience of patriarchs, an egg seller, and even a small dog. Fulfilling her promise to God, Anna sent the child Mary to the temple, where she remained until her marriage to Joseph was arranged. The high priest Reuben, standing in front of a large contingent of temple attendants, raises his hands to welcome Mary while Anna’s flotilla of seraphim hover overhead. Joachim and Anna solemnly observe their little daughter’s presentation.
