Visitatie 1682

"Visitatie" is an engraving made by Valentin Lefebvre in the 17th century, after a painting by Paolo Veronese. It depicts the biblical scene of the Visitation, where Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. Engravings like this one played a crucial role in disseminating artistic ideas at a time when access to original paintings was limited. Lefebvre, as an engraver, was thus an important interpreter of Veronese's work for a wider audience. Note how the architecture in the background situates the scene in the artist’s contemporary world. The encounter between the two women is a powerful moment of recognition and shared experience, laden with religious significance and feminine solidarity. The use of elevated vantage points and classical architectural elements emphasizes the importance of the women’s roles. Lefebvre's engraving captures the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the Visitation, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of faith, motherhood, and divine purpose.