High Priest Refusing Joachim's Offering, c. 1490-1500
Israhel van Meckenemexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Bequest of Herschel V. Jonesexpand_more P.68.222
Not on Viewexpand_more
This engraving is one of twelve plates in Israhel van Meckenem's Life of the Virgin series, dating about 1490-1500. Joachim, the father of Mary, made an offering at the temple prior to the birth of Mary. His offering was rejected by the high priest since only offerings of those who had fathered a child could be accepted. Joachim went into the wilderness to fast and pray for forty days and nights. As he was attending sheep in the mountains an angel appeared to him and advised him that Anne would soon give birth to a daughter. In this composition, the angel appears to Joachim in the upper left corner.
Details
- Title
- High Priest Refusing Joachim's Offering
- Artist Life
- c. 1445–1503
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.68.222
- Provenance
- Brit. Museum Dupl., L.305; plus other marks HL & inscription unidentified.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- NGA 216; B.30; Holl. 50 iii/iiil L.IX.52.50 Lehrs 50
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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