The Meeting of Joachim and Anne
Oak with traces of polychromy, 47 x 24.5, anonymous, c. 1470
Rijksmuseum. Amsterdam

Joachim and Anne, revered figures in Christian tradition, are known as the parents of the Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Although their names do not appear in the canonical Gospels, their story is detailed in apocryphal texts and Christian tradition. According to legend, they were devout and righteous, yet saddened by their inability to conceive a child. However, through divine intervention, Anne conceived Mary, who would later become the mother of Jesus. Joachim and Anne are celebrated in Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, with Anne particularly venerated as the patroness of mothers and women in labour.