In The Circumcision (Parmigianino), how is the Description discussed?
The work shows the circumcision of Jesus as described in the Gospel of Luke; the two sacrificial doves refer to the connected act of the purification of Mary. The Christ child, well illuminated, is surrounded by a crowd of characters. At the left is a very young Madonna, with blonde hair, similar to the artist's Saint Barbara at the Museo del Prado. Also on the left, behind her, are two characters confabulating on a background with the rising sun.
At the right are two rows of figures, as well as the priest who holds Jesus on the altar and, in the other hand, the ritual knife. Below, between the offers, are two small rabbits, which resembles similar details in the arch of the first chapel frescoed by Parmigianino in the church of San Giovanni Evangelista at Parma.
Parmigianino left Museo del Prado circumcision of Jesus Gospel of Luke Christ child San Giovanni Evangelista Parma