Virgin Mary

Christ is at the center, with His right hand raised in a gesture of priestly blessing. He holds a scroll in His left hand. He is robed in gold and bright red, symbolizing divinity. He is depicted as a youth, a form known as Christ Emmanuel ("God with...

Joachim and Anna were the parents of the holy Virgin Mary. They were childless, and for this they were derided by their fellow Jews, who believed they must have been cursed. They both devoted themselves to prayer, and they each vowed to dedicate their...