The Holy Kinship

Photo © Erich Lessing / Art Resource, NY. All rights reserved.
Joseph is shown close to Mary and Jesus. His inscription reads “Joseph, Husband of the Virgin.” He gazes intently at John the Baptist, held by Mary’s relative Elizabeth, as the child points at Jesus while holding a banner that reads “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). In the background are Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne; Anne’s younger sister, Esmeria; Elizabeth’s husband, Zechariah, and another unnamed man.