Depiction of Christ in the Temple

Close-up and in monumental style, the group stands on a clearly and precisely structured stage. The strong and vivid colour combinations are in part interrupted by leonardian “sfumato”, the blurring of contours. The priest Simeon recognises the Redeemer of mankind in this child. As the inscription ORATE PRO PICTORE OLIM SACELLI HUIUS NOVITIO makes clear, the painter, himself a Dominican monk, asks for prayers to be said for him in front of this altarpiece created for his monastery, San Marco in Florence.