ADVENT CALENDAR 2022

" " — Lampshade panel illustrating the Presentation in the Temple, made in Bryn Athyn by Frank Snyder between 1937 and 1940. Glencairn Museum collection, Bryn Athyn, PA, 11.OP.02. For more about Snyder’s lampshades at Glencairn, see here.

9. LAMPSHADE WITH THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE

This lampshade panel illustrates the Presentation in the Temple, an early episode in the life of Jesus Christ. According to the biblical account, after Jesus was born Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem to present their newborn child at the temple, as required by law. While they were at the temple, the Holy Spirit visited a man named Simeon and revealed to him that Jesus was the Messiah. Simeon then took Jesus into his arms, said a prayer, and blessed them (Gospel of Luke 2:25–35).

The panel is one of six scenes from the Nativity narrative decorating a Christmas-themed lampshade in Glencairn’s Chapel. The plexiglass shade was commissioned by Raymond Pitcairn between 1937 and 1940; it was designed and painted by Francis (“Frank”) Eugene Snyder (1908–1995).

Visit us at Follow the Star: A 2022 Advent Calendar.