Presentation in the Temple

"Presentation in the Temple" is a preparatory drawing created by the Flemish Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens sometime between 1590 and 1640. Classified specifically as a drawing, the work utilizes pen, brush, and brown ink applied skillfully on pale tan paper. The artist frequently employed black chalk and additional brown ink on the reverse side of such drawings, a technical detail suggesting continuous development of the composition or focused studies of individual figures. This intricate process of refining complex religious narratives was central to Rubens’s practice before committing his designs to larger canvases.

The subject illustrates the biblical moment when the infant Christ is presented at the Jerusalem Temple, fulfilling the requirements of Mosaic Law. The scene features detailed interactions between several men and women surrounding the central infant. Rubens was renowned for his ability to depict these dynamic figure studies and convey emotional intensity through gestures, reflecting the hallmarks of the High Baroque style that dominated European art during this era.

The vigorous application of ink, defining the forms of the Infants and adults, demonstrates Rubens's mastery of quick studies, and this piece likely served as a detailed modello or preliminary study for a larger oil painting. This drawing provides crucial insight into the prolific output and working methods of the Flemish school. Currently, the original drawing is part of the distinguished collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. As many of Rubens’s studies are considered vital art historical documents, the composition of Presentation in the Temple is frequently utilized by scholars, and high-quality prints of the work are widely available through public domain archives.