The Visitation c. 18th century

Michel François Dandré-Bardon created this drawing of the Visitation in the 18th century. This image depicts the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth, both pregnant and carrying the future John the Baptist and Jesus. Dandré-Bardon was a product of his time, deeply involved in the artistic and intellectual circles of the French Rococo. He would have likely navigated the societal expectations and cultural norms of his era, where class, gender, and religious beliefs shaped individual and artistic expression. The drawing captures an intimate moment, focusing on the emotional exchange between the two women. Mary and Elizabeth represent strength and resilience, challenging the norms of their time. Dandré-Bardon approaches the religious narrative through a lens of human connection and empathy, suggesting the radical potential inherent in the story of these women.