French School (16th century)

This marble sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary during a visit to St. Elizabeth. This New Testament event was described in the Book of Luke (1:40-56). After the angel announced to Mary that she will give birth to the Son of God, she hastened to visit her relative Elizabeth, the wife of the priest Zechariah. Elizabeth was five months pregnant, although she was already of advanced age and considered barren. According to the revelation of the Archangel Gabriel in the preceding verses, her pregnancy was supposed to be proof that Jesus’ birth would be a miracle and that the Annunciation was true. Both female figures are garbed in richly draped garments, which, however, do not hide their pregnancies, especially that of the Virgin Mary. The women gently embrace, the embrace is full of love, understanding, and mutual support. Mary, the younger slim woman, gazes downward at Elizabeth, the older and more experienced woman on whom she can rely both physically and mentally.