“The Visitation” by Jen Norton. 36×45″ Acrylic on wood, $8000.
My latest painting is inspired by the “Visitation” (Luke 1:39-45) where a newly-pregnant Mary travels in haste to her older cousin Elizabeth. This story has been on my mind lately, maybe because my own sisters live in different states and I haven’t been able to see them for over a year. Or maybe because I’m exhausted by all the political rhetoric that flies through modern life about women and pregnancies and the value of life. I just needed to spend some time with these two women, each filled with profound Joy of the potential they carry.
Between the two women is all of life.
I chose to paint this scene as Mary approaches the hill town of Ein Karem, where Elizabeth lived. The name means “Spring of the Vineyard” in Hebrew and her journey was about 100 miles (161km), with a climb in over 1300 feet (396m) in elevation. Pretty impressive for a pregnant girl traveling on her own, but then Mary doesn’t seem like the kind of woman to sit around waiting for things to happen, unsure of her steps.
Elizabeth was older, believed to be beyond child-bearing years. She was the wife of the priest Zechariah, and from the priestly line of Aaron herself. One can imagine her having all the wealth and prestige that comes with that title. Yet she spent her life wishing for the one thing she seemingly couldn’t have: a child. You know there was gossip in the Judean hills like: “Poor old Elizabeth” or “Well, I guess the priestly line will end here,” etc. In my painting I have shown her halo in the colors of a sunset to indicate her age. Her rich garments contain patterns of faded roses and dandelion seed pods for blowing wishes into the wind. Yet the God of Life is full of surprises and suddenly this woman of God finds herself bearing new life! In the surrounding foliage, we see locusts and bees buzzing in the flowers, foreshadowing the desert existence her son will live.
Where Law and Grace first meet.
In the distance, we see Mary approaching, the life within her bearing the springtime from within its sacred ark. Light emanates from her womb, trees break into blossom and a skein of geese follow her, representing the Holy Spirit.
Between the two women is all of life…young and old, beautiful and messy, fragrant flowers and dry grass. Within their stories is the transition from the Old Testament of Law to the New Testament of Grace. The sunset is greeted by the sunrise and in the tininess of new life a timeless story of fulfillment.
This original painting is available at The Sacred Art Gallery. Prints and gifts available in my Etsy, Fine Art America and Pixels shops.
