The presentation of Jesus to the high priest at the Temple. Engraving by C. Cort, 1568, after F. Zuccaro.

Bible. N.T. Luke 2.25-38. In Luke 2.25-35, Simeon is described as an old, devout man "waiting for the consolation of Israel" (in later iconographic tradition he is identified with the high priest of the Temple) who is told by the Holy Spirit that he will see the saviour before he dies. In this scene he looks upon the infant herald of Christianity and utters 'Nunc dimittis'; now he can die. Death and birth and the relations of Christianity to Judaism resonate in this scene

Maids in the bottom left-hand corner bring washing basins and a basket of turtledoves; these latter are the gift on the double occasion of the purification of Mary and the presentation of Jesus (which is celebrated as Candlemas)