Paolo Caliari, called Veronese (1528 – 1588)

Paolo Caliari, called Veronese

The Visitation

Venice, about 1577

Oil on canvas

277.5 x 156 cm

The Virgin, in the centre, greets her elderly cousin Elizabeth with news of the impending birth of Christ.

After a long barren life, Elizabeth is also miraculously pregnant, with John the Baptist.  Veronese locates the meeting in front of a palace.  The observers wear contemporary clothes which show off the artist’s skills as a colourist.

The painting was one of six made for a church on the island of Murano, in Venice.  It was originally hung higher so we look up towards the holy scene.

Purchased 1953 (No.53.5)