This large canvas depicts the episode of the twelve-year-old Jesus’s visit to the temple in Jerusalem, as told in the Gospel of Luke (2:41–52). When his parents leave the city after their annual Passover visit, Jesus (unbeknown to them) remains behind and joins the company of learned men discussing theology in the temple, impressing them with his intelligence and knowledge. Eventually found there by his distressed parents, Jesus responds to their rebuke by saying: “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). He is shown here at the centre of a lively and colourful group of old men, engaging them in debate. His calm confidence contrasts both with the elders’ anxious agitation and with the worried faces of his parents, who can be seen in the background beneath the arch, on the point of approaching their son.