The Marriage of the Virgin

c. 1430
Michelino da Besozzo created this image of the marriage of the Virgin Mary to Joseph. Art historians point out the intended humor in the expressions of the rejected suitors.¹
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Connection to Website Themes

Spousal Power Dyanmics: In this situation, the bride holds the power to select from a group of suitors. It remains an open question how much power this accorded the wife later in the course of the marriage.

Community Social Norms: The medieval social conventions of courtship influenced Michelino’s depiction of the marriage of the Virgin Mary. Probably the behavior of the rejected suitors captures much of the experience of the social norms in the Late Middle Ages in regards to courtship practices.

Church and State: Michelino blends the everyday culture of courtship with high religious ideals of the Virgin Mary’s betrothal to Joseph. A man of authority stands between Joseph and Mary, giving approval to their union. The embellished yellow robe perhaps indicates official stature in the church but might also represent secular authority.

What is Love: Mary looks downward, perhaps in deference to male authority. But, in a contrast to Arnolfini, Joseph’s gaze clearly shows a tenderness and affection for Mary.