The story of Jesus being presented for registration by his parents at the temple is depicted by many classical artists. Below are two. The first is by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (now you know why we usually just refer to him as Rembrandt) (dated 1631). The second is by Andrea Mantegna (dated between 1450-1500). Mantegna was noted for the way he shifted the perspective in his work. He gave great, close up details. The figures in his work often have a stiff appearance yet still have great personality. Rembrandt takes the wide view, giving us the columns in the temple which dwarf the human beings in the story.
Which painting draws your eyes in more? The close up or a wide angle? What details in the painted story make you wonder? Are you more curious about the characters or the setting? The relationships between the characters are also present in both paintings, but without dialogue we are left to wonder about that as well. What do you think the artists want to convey by their inclusion of others?
Tomorrow we will wonder together about this story. You may read it in Luke 2.22-40.