Visitation

Basic Info

Luke 1:39–56

After Gabriel’s announcement, Mary goes off to visit her relative Elizabeth. When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb jumps. Elizabeth greets Mary in words that are part of a Catholic prayer the Hail Mary: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” The two women have a brief exchange, and then Mary praises God in a prayer that has become known as the Magnificat. The event is a story of giving praise to God.

In artworks this event is usually depicted as the two women standing, facing each other. Their respective pregnancies may be emphasized or played down in artworks.

What to Look For

• Mary’s physical appearance
• Elizabeth’s physical appearance
• Similarities and differences between the two women
• The attitude and emotional state of each of the women

Questions to Focus a General Interpretation

Does the artwork depict the idea of praising God in any specific way, or does it assume that the viewer knows the story and its significance?

Does the artwork celebrate pregnancy and motherhood, or does it diminish that aspect of the story to emphasize the interactions of the two holy women?

Questions to Guide a Personal Interpretation

Does the artwork call you to celebrate and praise God when something good happens in your life? Does it offer specific suggestions, or does it leave you to develop such praise yourself?

Questions to Suggest a Historical Interpretation

During the last 2,000 years, it has not always been acceptable for a woman to be out in public when she is obviously pregnant. Based on the artwork, what was the likely attitude toward pregnancy in public in the artist’s time and place?