Description
The painting Presentation in the Temple and Flight to Egypt by the artist Melchior Broederlam is a masterpiece of the 14th-century International Gothic style. This work is composed of two panels that measure 167 x 125 cm each, and is located in the Museum of Fine Arts in Dijon, France.
The composition of the work is impressive, with great care for detail and perspective. The artist uses the gilding technique to highlight the most important elements of the work, such as the characters and sacred objects. The colors used are intense and vibrant, giving the work a majestic and heavenly appearance.
The story behind the painting is fascinating. The panel of the Presentation in the Temple shows the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph presenting the Child Jesus in the temple of Jerusalem, where he is received by the aged Simeon. The Flight into Egypt panel shows the Holy Family fleeing from Herod to Egypt, where they would live for several years before returning to Nazareth.
One of the lesser-known aspects of this painting is that it was commissioned by the Duke of Burgundy, Philippe the Bold, as part of the decoration of his private chapel at the Dauphine Palace in Dijon. The work was created between 1393 and 1399, and became one of the most important works in the duke's collection.
In short, Melchior Broederlam's Presentation in the Temple and Flight to Egypt is a masterpiece of International Gothic art, with impressive composition, vibrant colors and a fascinating story. This work is a priceless treasure of art history, and its beauty continues to captivate viewers to this day.