Presentation in the Temple and Flight into Egypt

myminifactory

This exquisitely detailed high-relief sculpture vividly portrays the presentation within the temple and flight to Egypt, pivotal biblical events meticulously described in the Gospel of Matthew. The original masterpiece, skillfully crafted by Nicola Pisano (born circa 1220/1225 - passed away between 1278/1287), majestically adorns the pulpit of the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption, Sienna (designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995) in Tuscany. Shortly after the visit by the Magi, who had discovered King Herod's sinister plan to slaughter all infants in that region, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to instruct him to escape with Mary and infant Jesus to Egypt. This pivotal episode is frequently depicted in art as the inaugural event of Jesus' Nativity, and was a standard component in cycles of the Life of the Virgin as well as the Life of Christ. Within the narrative tradition, iconic representations of the "Rest on the Flight into Egypt" emerged after the 14th Century.