Painted around 1320, Giotto’s “Presentation at the Temple” was once part of a series of seven paintings depicting episodes from the life of Jesus Christ. The other six panels are in New York, Munich and London. This panel depicts this moment when Mary and Joseph present Jesus at the temple where Simeon and Anna recognize him as the Messiah. Giotto sets the scene in a convincing 3-dimensional space and emphasizes the humanity of baby Jesus who appears frightened and reaches out towards his mother. Buona visione!