Visitation of Virgin Mary

Rubens’s work served as a starting point for print that was made by Pieter II de Jode (1606-1674). Here, the painter used his well-tried composition - a similar arrangement was used in 1611-1614 when painting the left wing of the triptych Descent from the Cross (Antwerp, Cathedral of Qur Lady. The theme comes from the gospel of St. Lucas (1:36-45). Mary, expecting the birth of the Savior, goes to visit her relative Elizabeth, who despite her higher age and infertility conceived. The meeting is accompanied by their husbands - St. Joseph and St. Zachariah, Rubens captured the moment in which both women greet one another, where it is obvious from their gestures that their attention is focused on the new lives.