Altarpiece of Holy Family Members

Since the XV century, the use of altarpieces was of special importance in Spain as a medium that used images to disseminate didactic stories.
This combination brings an uncommon topic to life: the extended family of Jesus. The main tableau shows the legend of Saint Anne’s three husbands, the last of whom was Joachim, with whom she conceived the Virgin Mary. From her previous marriages, she had two daughters: Mary of Clophas and Mary Salomae, who appear with their families in the lateral tableaux of this altarpiece. Five of Jesus’ disciples are part of this lineage.