QUELLINUS, Artus II
(b. 1625, Sint-Truiden, d. 1700, Antwerpen)

Visitation

1678
White marble
O.-L. Vrouwekathedraal, Antwerp

This marble relief is part of an altar reassembled in 1825 using 17th-century elements made by Quellinus and Peter Verbrugghen the Elder. The reliefs on the base, which illustrate the life of the Virgin, are finely sculpted by Quellin. In the Visitation, Elizabeth welcomes her cousin Mary at the step of her attractive classical home, while Joseph and Zacharias shake hands. A servant stands on the step, while a little angel leads away Mary and Joseph's donkey.