GHIRLANDAIO, Domenico
(b. 1449, Firenze, d. 1494, Firenze)

Marriage of Mary (detail)

1486-90
Fresco
Cappella Tornabuoni, Santa Maria Novella, Florence

The men whose rods did not blossom forth as Joseph's did, are breaking their rods in anger and one of them is shaking his fist. They are disappointed that old Joseph of all people should have been chosen instead of them to marry the Virgin. A different mood is created by the laughing faces behind the groom, as well as the musicians with drums and pipes, who are starting up the music for the celebrations.