A diptych is a two separate, but connected, scenes.

On the left panel, Mary is seen saying "goodbye" to her adult child Jesus before he leaves her home to spread the Gospel to all nations.
The absence of nail marks in His hands and feet suggests a pre-resurrection account.
Mary leans toward her son in an act of reverence and love for Christ.

In the right panel, St. John, the Beloved Disciple as priest, has been given to Mary as a "son," as commanded by Jesus from the cross.
These two scenes show Mary's reverence and love for Christ, her Son, and the "Body of Christ," her Son.

Last Modified: November 17, 2005