SACRED ART IN 100 WORDS

Education of the Virgin
Diego Velazquez
1617 – 18
Yale University Art Gallery

The painting is devoid of details. Within a dark room, we see Joaquim, Anna, little Mary, and the Divine messenger who ushers in a heavenly glow. Notice that Joaquim holds a basket of provisions while Anna holds on to the Word of God. Together they provide for Mary’s physical and spiritual needs.The parents gaze at each other in faith. As Mary’s index finger meets with that of her mother, it heralds the dawn of a New Creation with Mary as the New Eve. The little Virgin gazes at us while listening to the Word of God. The Word entered into her and became flesh. The Word dwells among us. Gentle and wise, let’s pray to Mary to show us the way to Paradise.

– Archdiocesan Heritage Museum