Expulsion of Joachim from the Temple

This scene is on the exterior wall of the Shrine of the Visitation. The exterior walls depict scenes from the lives of Joachim, Anne and Mary, but only sections have survived. Here the priest standing in the centre of the picture behind the altar is pushing Joachim away from the tabernacle with both hands, for the latter’s sacrifices have been rejected by the priests as he has remained childless. A striking feature is formed by the colourful slabs of marble on the altar.