REMBRANDT HARMENSZOON VAN RIJN, The Presentation at the Temple, 1639-1640

Beautiful proof in the fifth state out of six, printed on laid paper dating back to the mid-1700s. In perfect condition with a margin of about 2 mm all around in addition to the copper imprint.

Bibliography
Bartsch, 49
Biörklund, 40-1
Hollstein (White & Boon), 49
New Hollstein, 184 v/v
Hind, 162

Comment
In the temple, on the right, Mary is kneeling with Simeon holding the child in his arms. In the center, the prophetess Anna is in the beam of light coming from the right. Above her head, the dove of the Holy Spirit flutters its wings, while on the ground to the left sits a dog. The background of the temple is illuminated and full of people.

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, a righteous and devout man, waiting for the consolation of Israel; the Holy Spirit was upon him, and it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, he took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.”
New Testament, Luke 2:25-52