The Presentation of Mary
by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617 - 1682)

When people think of the Presentation, we usually think of Jesus. But it was common for Jewish male children to be presented at the Temple in Jerusalem to dedicate their lives to God. Although uncommon for girls, the story of the Presentation of Mary is based on accounts which come to us from apostolic times, such as the Protoevangelium of James.

The Presentation of Mary was done to carry out the promise made to God when Anna was still childless. It emphasizes virtue and holiness, especially Mary's Immaculate Conception, and in this case prefigures the Annunciation.

Often represented in Christian art, we especially like in this version how shall Mary looks, and what a brave little girl she was. The beggar represent us and the need for Salvation.

In the 6th Century, a church was built in Jerusalem for this mystery. The feast comes and goes in the Western Church's Calendar until the 16th Century, when it became a permanent feast day. November 21.

(source: ucatholic.com and udayton.edu)

- Acid-free paper. Image is smaller than the paper!!!!
- Archival pigments, rated to last for generations.
- Cardboard backer
- Above story of the art
- Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag.

** IMPORTANT ** There is border of blank, white space around the picture, so the image is smaller than the paper. For 5x7" paper, it is about 1/2 an inch. For 8.5x11 about 1.3". For 11x14" about 1.6". The border lets them look good in a frame without a matt.

Thanks for your interest!
Sue & John

"In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art." ~ St. Pope John Paul II

Original image is out-of-copyright. Descriptive text and image alterations (hence the whole new image) © by Sue Kouma Johnson - Classic Catholic Art.