GIOTTO di Bondone
(b. 1267, Vespignano, d. 1337, Firenze)

No. 9 Scenes from the Life of the Virgin: 3. The Bringing of the Rods to the Temple

1304-06
Fresco, 200 x 185 cm
Cappella Scrovegni (Arena Chapel), Padua

Having been educated at the temple, the Virgin Mary was to become betrothed. However, since her parents had dedicated her to the Lord, her future husband was to be decided upon by a miracle. He whose rod brought forth blossom would marry the Virgin. The fresco shows the choir of a church, at whose altar the high priest stands, receiving the rods. Attentive and excited, the young men hand over their rods. Only Joseph stands somewhat hesitantly on the extreme left. The legend tells us that he considered himself too old for the Virgin.

The three scenes related to the marriage of Mary take place in the same church.