Circumcision

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

As described in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was circumcised eight days after his birth, in accord with Jewish tradition. Mary holds the infant while Joseph prays and the priest prepares to perform the operation. The biblical figures are joined by two contemporary noblewomen, a monk, and a burgher. The depiction of the Circumcision on a church altar links this event with the rite of the Eucharist, which reenacts Christ's ultimate sacrifice of flesh as an adult. The connection would have been especially clear if this painting had been displayed within an altarpiece, alongside an image of the Crucifixion.

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