The Presentation
Jozef Janssens

Mary has just heard the prophecy of Simeon of some of the troubles her baby will undergo in his life, and that a sword will pierce her own heart, too. Like any mother would, she is reaching out to her child. A mother's embrace is not only loving, it is also protective and consoling.

Mary and Joseph have brought the child Jesus to present him at the Temple in Jerusalem, as prescribed by the law. Joseph is carrying the offering, the doves that will be sacrificed. The scene is called The Presentation. It is the Fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. Although there is Mary's sudden ache at the pain her child will endure someday, it is a joyful moment, and indeed a mystery, as our Lord in his human nature is presented to the Lord God. "Lord, let your servant go in peace. Your word has been fulfilled."

This picture is from the July, 1910, edition of the German Catholic art magazine, Die Christliche Kunst and was painted by Jozef Janssens (1854-1930), a major Catholic artist of his day. He did church decorations and portraits of contemporary Catholics, as well as many religious paintings such as this. Janssens was knighted by Pope Pius X in the order St. Sylvester for the service his art did for the cause of Christ.

** IMPORTANT ** THE IMAGE IS SMALLER THAN THE PAPER! There is white border around the picture. About 1/2" for 5x7, 1.3" for 8.5x11, and 1.6" for 11x14 and larger prints. We can't print to the edge without distorting or cropping the art, as the rectangle of the art is different than the ratio of the rectangles of the paper sizes. The white border gives it a finished look when framed.

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

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.