The Presentation in the Temple

The Virgin Mary presents the Christ child to the rabbi Simeon in a place that resembles a church interior. The space features a rib-vaulted ceiling painted a celestial blue with stars, and round clerestory windows high on the walls. The archway framing the event is rendered in sparkling gold leaf, setting it off from the rest of the building. Recalling ancient Roman imperial architecture, it becomes a kind of triumphal arch around the most important figures, especially Christ, who is situated in the center.