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By Kayla Harris

The parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sts. Joachim and Anne, are not mentioned in the Bible. Instead, we know of them through apocryphal literature — biblical writings such as the Protoevangelium of James the Lesser that are not part of the accepted canon of Scripture. When Mary is depicted with her parents in artwork, she is commonly with her mother either reading or sharing a book with her. Destined to become the first educator of her son, Jesus, Mary first gains her own education from the teachings of her mother. Beyond sharing a book, what else might Mary have done with her parents, or what might their relationship have been like? 

Artist Daniela Jimenez imagines Mary’s relationship with Anne and Joachim in digital artwork that is part of the Marian Library’s collection. She writes, “I wanted to see more of teenage Mother Mary before the Annunciation/before she was betrothed to Joseph. I wanted to explore her relationship with her parents, St. Anne and St. Joachim, after the scene where we usually see her (as a toddler in their arms). I wanted to see them doing something as a family, and I chose to depict them spending time outdoors, enjoying Creation as a family, not yet aware of their role in Salvation.”

Seeing Mary depicted in artwork through various cultural lenses and in different moments of her life helps us see ourselves in Mary. Knowing that this scene in the garden takes place not long before the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to conceive Jesus makes this peaceful family moment even more sacred, as their smiles show how they embrace their time together.

— Kayla Harris is an associate professor in the University Libraries and the director of the Marian Library.