The Presentation in the Temple
by Giovanni Bellini,
Fondazione Querini Stampalia
The Presentation in the Temple, Giovanni Bellini, Wikipedia
Formality presents itself in lines,
And shapes and curves, in balance, dark and light,
In glowing surfaces while shade defines
The depths and nuances of feeling. Bright
Contrasts with subtleties so even love
Is like a mild meiosis. Women on
The left are set as understatements of
The overstated men, whatever brawn
They have concealed inside their robes and hood
And paradoxically both bright and rich,
Subdued and strong, these males have understood
What virgins should not know. The troubling glitch
Is in the tight-lipped leer of nose and eyes
The red-clothed man’s prediction must surmise.