The Bible describes how, when Christ stayed with the sisters Martha and Mary, Mary sat and listened to him speak rather than helping her sister. At last an exasperated Martha asked Christ why he didn't send Mary to assist her, but Christ defended Mary, saying that her choice to sit and listen should not be denied her.

'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'
(Luke 10 39-42)

Velázquez has shown Christ with his left hand raised, suggesting he is in the middle of telling Martha to leave her sister alone. (When teaching or giving a blessing, Christ is usually shown with his right, rather than his left hand raised.)

« Previous | Next »