The lively brushstrokes in "The Presentation in the Temple" are typical of an oil sketch. Working quickly and confidently, Pittoni created his image on canvas with little concern for finishing touches. Oil sketches are prized for their spontaneity and flourish—qualities often lost in finished paintings. Pittoni placed his figures as if on stage, employing exaggerated theatrical gestures to tell his story. Mary and Joseph have brought the infant Jesus to the temple to be presented to the Lord. Simeon, who had been promised he would not die, until he saw the Lord’s Christ, takes the Child in his arms and looks toward heaven saying, “Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation” (Luke 2:29-30). The prophetess Anna, at right, recognizes the Child as the Redeemer, while a peasant woman, at left, delivers a basket of turtledoves for a ritual offering. S. Johnston, 8/2004