The Presentation in the Temple with the Angel: Small Plate

Despite the small size, this etching (the earliest of three with the same subject made by the artist), evokes a monumental and theatrical atmosphere, given the large number of figures and with the composition unfolding on different levels on a diagonal line: in the left foreground a beggar in the shadow; at centre, lit from left, the main scene with the Simeon holding the child addressing Mary, surrounded by worshipping figures and the prophetess Anna led by an angel; the architecture and the big staircase in the right foreground are alluded with fine, more delicate lines.