The birth of John the Baptist. Drawing by F. Rosaspina, c. 1830, after L. Carracci.

Bible. N.T. Luke 1.57-64. Elizabeth has been blessed by a miracle in old age: she gives birth to John the Baptist. Zacharias, who has been struck dumb as punishment for not believing the news of the imminent birth, holds a quill, with which he will write that the child must have the name of John. In the foreground, the Virgin Mary holds her hand on her belly in the knowledge that she too has become pregnant. Angels swing censers above the scene. A midwife holds a bowl before the mother and child