In this painting by Botticelli, St. John the Baptist
gestures to the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus from the left, while, to the
right, stands St. John the Evangelist with book and pen in hand.
Delicately painted flowers and strawberries
are thick around the feet of the prophet and apostle and tall white lilies
frame Mary. Behind the figures a triptych is formed of different trees and
plants which have Scriptural significance.
Notice the banderole threaded among the roses, which reads “…As a rose
plant in Jericho” (Sirach 24:14). In front of the lilies reads another
banderole, “As the lily among thorns” (Song of Songs 2:2).
Although many Marian quotes are referenced in
the picture, it is clear the Infant Jesus is the center of the picture. Every
figure in the scene assists in establishing Jesus as the focus, either by the
direction of their gaze or by their
gesture. The glowing white cloth he is wrapped in stands out among the
red clothing of the other figures and draws the viewer’s eye.
It is because Mary was the Mother of such a
child that she is worthy of such praise.
Be only all to Jesus
through Mary. – Mother Teresa.
Happy Feast of Mary’s Nativity!
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