Lavinia Fontana
Lavinia Fontana (1552-1614), in collaboration with Prospero Fontana (1512-1597), The Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple, about 1575-1580, oil on canvas, 91.5 x 74.5 cm. MMFA, purchase through the generosity of the Courtois Foundation . Photo Claudio Giusti, Florence
LAVINIA FONTANA
Bologna 1552 – Rome 1614
In collaboration with Prospero Fontana (1512-1597)
The Presentation of Mary in the Temple
About 1575-1580
Oil on canvas
91.5 x 74.5 cm
Purchase, through the generosity of Fondation Courtois
Discovered in 2019, this painting is the oldest by a woman in the Museum’s European collection. An early work by Lavinia Fontana, considered Europe’s first professional female painter, it depicts Joachim and Anna presenting their daughter Mary to the temple as thanks for their deliverance from fertility struggles.
The artist based her composition on a fresco by her father and teacher, Prospero, who here may have executed the figures of Joachim and Anna. Pentimenti (visible changes to the composition) suggest that this painting was likely a training opportunity for Lavinia, executed under Prospero’s supervision.
This exceptional canvas is the first by Lavinia Fontana to enter a Canadian public collection.
