Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index

Title: Presentation of the Virgin
Creator:
Description: According to the "Protoevangelium of James," an apocryphal Christian text, as well as the "Koran," the Virgin Mary's parents, Anna and Joachim, received their daughter as a gift from God after a period of childlessness. As thanks, Anna and Joachim brought Mary to the Temple as a young girl to be consecrated to God. Here, Anna and Joachim stand on the left and send their daughter into the care of women who lead her to the high priest. The Protoevangelium of James also notes that Mary was educated in the temple. The women surrounding the young Mary who hold taper candles may in fact be priestesses.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rights: Public Domain
Subject (See Also): Anne, Mother of the Virgin, Saint Apocryphal Literature Jewish High Priest Jews Mary, Virgin, Saint Presentation of Mary Priestesses
Geographic Area: Eastern Mediterranean
Century:
Date: ca.1290-1310
Related Work:
Current Location: Karyes, Protaton Church
Original Location:
Artistic Type (Category): Digital images; Paintings
Artistic Type (Material/Technique): Frescoes
Donor:
Height/Width/Length(cm): //
Inscription:
Related Resources: For discussion of Jewish Temple priestesses: http://kohenet.com/reclaiming/