Visitation (van der Weyden)


Visitation is a c.1445 oil on panel painting of the Visitation by Rogier van der Weyden, now in the Museum der bildenden Künste in Leipzig. It is linked to Luke 1:40.

Composition

The panoramic view behind Mary suggests that she has come a long way. Her status as the Mother of Christ is symbolized by her posture – Mary stands up straight where Elizabeth genuflexes slightly. Both women place a hand on each other's stomach. Before the entrance to the peculiar castle-like mansion we can see the Elizabeth's husband Zachary, playing with a dog.