Artwork
The Life of Mary: Joachim meets Anna at the Golden Gate; in the background the Annunciation of the birth of Mary to Joachim by an angel (verso: upper half of the Crucifixion of Christ)
The Life of Mary: Joachim meets Anna at the Golden Gate; in the background the Annunciation of the birth of Mary to Joachim by an angel (verso: upper half of the Crucifixion of Christ) is a paint painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Life of the Virgin. It dates from 1460 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The recto depicts the meeting of Joachim and Anna at the Golden Gate, a scene from the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James that signals the conception of the Virgin Mary. Their embrace is framed by an arched city gate, while in the background an angel announces to Joachim that Anna will bear a child, reinforcing the theme of divine promise fulfilled. The verso’s upper Crucifixion fragment situates the diptych within the redemptive narrative of Christ, linking the Nativity’s promise to its fulfillment through the Crucifixion.
Scholars identify the composition as part of the Master of the Life of the Virgin’s cycle devoted to Mary’s early life, underscoring the work’s didactic function within late medieval devotional practice.
Technique & Style
The artwork is executed in paint on an oak panel support, a common medium for Northern European religious works of the mid-15th century.
The artwork is executed in paint on an oak panel support, a common medium for Northern European religious works of the mid-15th century. Created around 1460 by the Master of the Life of the Virgin, the piece measures 85.3 cm in height and 106.8 cm in width. The composition depicts the meeting of Joachim and Anna at the Golden Gate, with the Annunciation of Mary's birth visible in the background, while the reverse side features the upper half of the Crucifixion of Christ. The work is currently held within the Bavarian State Painting Collections at the Alte Pinakothek.
Overview
This painting, created around 1460 by the Master of the Life of the Virgin, is a religious work depicting a scene from the life of Mary. It is paired with a Crucifixion scene on its reverse side.
History & Provenance
The painting is now held at the Alte Pinakothek. Its creation is attributed to the Master of the Life of the Virgin, active during the 15th century.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Life of the Virgin
This anonymous painter worked in the 1470s, specializing in small devotional panels that tell the story of Mary’s life.
The Visitation with a portrait of donor Johann von Hirtz (?-?)
Maria mit dem Kind
The Life of Mary: the Assumption of Mary (verso: lower half of the Coronation of Mary)- The Engagement of Mary (verso: upper half of the Coronation of Mary)
The Life of Mary: the Annunciation (lower half of the Crucifixion of Christ)
Portrait of an unknown master builder
The life of Mary: the presentation of Mary in the temple
Virgin and Child with Three Saints
The visitation
The Visitation Panel from Saint John Retable
The miracle of the flowering rod (left); the marriage of Mary and Joseph (right)
Marriage of the Virgin
Embrace at the Golden Gate
Der hl. Veit entsagt den Freuden der Welt
The Visitation
The Council of Salvation
St. Barbara is led into the tower
Zurückweisung des Opfers Joachims und Annas