The Visitation

The Gospel of Luke (1:39–56) records a visit of Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, with her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. In this sculpture group, the Virgin Mary, on the left, wears a red dress with a blue mantle, while Elizabeth, on the right, wears a blue dress with a red mantle. Mary holds a rosary with a cross, while Elizabeth touches her cousin’s womb. According to Luke, Elizabeth proclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (1:42). This group may have been made for a private chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist or Saint Elizabeth.

Sources:
- Joan A. Holladay and Susan L. Ward, _Gothic Sculpture in America III: The Museums of New York and Pennsylvania_, 2016, 346-347.