Gospel in Art: Mary set out and greeted Elizabeth

The Visitation, by Mariotto Albertinelli, 1503 © Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 21 December 2023
Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.'

Reflection on the painting

Our painting is by Mariotto Albertinelli, painted in 1503. Albertinelli worked closely with Dominican friar Fra Bartolomeo, and both artists drew this composition together. The Renaissance architectural arch is fairly small and therefore optically enhances the monumentality of the figures of Mary and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is portrayed as an elderly lady greeting Our Lady. They shake hands, they embrace warmly. Look also at the fine detailing of the plants at the women's feet, very reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci. This painting captures the very point where Elizabeth whispers to Mary the words 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb'. We are part of their intimate greeting and conversation.

Mary's expression in this painting also conveys a slightly tired look. She had made a long journey to visit her cousin. But Our Lady didn't travel there on her own. She carried in her blessed womb the Lord Jesus Christ. He was (literally) close to her heart as she traveled. Her womb was the first tabernacle, holding Christ.

Even before Jesus was born, Mary brought Him to see other people. Mary exemplifies our own calling to bring the Lord to each other. She didn't keep him for herself. She knew from the start that she had to share her son with the world. The reading and our painting also highlight the fact that the act of visiting and the receiving of visits will be at the heart of our lives over the coming days. Mary's generous visit in the gospel reading was matched by Elisabeth's generous welcome, a welcome that recognized Mary's worth and that celebrated her goodness. If Mary shows us how to visit, Elizabeth shows us how to receive a visit. We welcome our visitors by recognising the good that is in them, especially over the next few days in the lead up to Christmas where so many of us will visit and receive.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-1-39-45-2023/