The Presentation of the Virgin

Giovanni di Paolo (Siena c.1399 - Siena 1482). Oil painting on poplar panel, The Presentation of the Virgin, Giovanni di Paolo (Siena c.1399 - Siena 1482) circa 1445-50. The interior of a temple, enclosed on either side by panelled walls, with a paved floor in the foreground and six slender columns; a broad flight of steps in the centre leads to the golden tabernacle, before which stands Zacharias and a second priest, right, and the young Virgin, wearing a pale blue dress flecked with gold, left. The Virgin turns to St Anne, who, attended by two fashionably dressed women and wearing a blue robe, stands on the lowest step at the left. Opposite and facing her at the foot of the steps is Joachim; behind him can be seen a male figure and above, on a level with the tabernacle a group of children forming a choir. Panel includes a gold strip of 4mm (1/8in) at each side; top and bottom probably cut. Upton House, Warwickshire (Accredited Museum)