Description
West Façade, Left Frieze, Life of Mary and Infancy of Christ, Left Side of Central Portal
9: Mary Presented to Joseph
(Protevangelium of James 8:2 - 9:3)
According to the Protevangelium of James, when Mary was twelve years old, the High Priest summoned the widowers of Judea. All were given rods, which were then taken back and placed on the altar. The High Priest prayed over them and returned them to the assembled widowers. A dove flew from Joseph’s rod, signifying that he would be Mary's husband. Other versions of this story showed Joseph’s rod sprouting flowers and leaves.
A headless figure at right (a priest? Joachim?) has his hand on Mary's arm. Mary stands at center. At right is the figure of Joseph, identifiable because he holds a rod with a top that could be either a bird or a flower. Neither Mary nor Joseph has a halo.
At right are figures from:
8: Mary Mounting the Three Steps to the Temple.
At left are figures from:
10: Marriage of Mary and Joseph.
11: Joseph takes Mary home.
12: Annunciation to the Virgin
Subject
Cathédrale de Chartres--Pictorial works.;Church decoration and ornament--France--Chartres--Pictorial works.;Church architecture--France--Chartres--Pictorial works.;Christian art and symbolism--France--Chartres--Medieval, 500-1500--Pictorial works.
