Capital, with the Presentation of Christ in the Temple
From the Abbey of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, France
Limestone; H. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm), W. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm), D. 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm)
The Cloisters Collection, 1925 (25.120.60)
Technical Glossary
From the Abbey of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, France
Limestone; H. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm), W. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm), D. 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm)
The Cloisters Collection, 1925 (25.120.60)
This capital depicts a scene from the New Testament in which the infant Jesus is presented at the Temple in Jerusalem for consecration to the Lord, as was customary for the firstborn child. On one side appears the now-damaged figure of Simeon, depicted as a high priest, holding the infant. On the other side, a kneeling Joseph supports Christ's feet, while Mary stands behind, holding the sacrificial dove required in the rite of purification.
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