Title of Art: Visitation
Artist: Mariotto Albertinelli
Art Form: Painting
Date of Composition: 1503
Event: Visitation
Subjects: Mary, Mother of God; Elizabeth
Exhibit Institution: Le Gallerie degli Uffizi (The Uffizi)
Exhibit Location: Florence, Italy
VM Image #: 0009
Photographer: Shala Graham
Date of Photograph: January 7, 2023
Featured on Podcast: Listen to Podcast
Download:
Full View:
Mariotto Albertinelli’s Visitation depicts Elizabeth and Mary, Mother of God meeting as described in Luke 1:39-45. The cousins tenderly embrace grasping right hands over their wombs which care John the Baptist and Jesus. The large 232 x 140 cm canvas is painted brightly using oil paints. It was originally commissioned as part of an alterpiece set of paintings for Oratorio di San Michele Vecchio in Florence which depicted the birth of Jesus. The other three paintings, which were much smaller in scale depict the Annunciation, the birth of Jesus, and the Presentation at the Temple.
Albertinelli’s Visitation vividly captures the meeting of Elizabeth and Mary, Mother of God as described in Luke 1:39-45. As Elizabeth leans into Mary, clutching her right hand, and reaching out for Mary’s shoulder, the viewer can imagine her proclaimiing “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:41) In vivid color, and with tender expressive faces, the artist captures a pivotal moment in Scripture between two women, chosen by God, to birth John the Baptist, and the Messiah Jesus Christ. As the two women lean into one another, we are reminded that these two women were among the first to understand that the long awaited Messiah was coming.
No related pages found in the same category.