The perspective is interesting as well: the viewer is right up front, almost a party to the ceremony. Mary’s subtle pregnancy (in contrast, Joseph looks a bit brutish, but I think Strigel is putting the profile of Emperor Maximillian on Joseph there, you know, to curry further favor).
Note: over 73% of these paintings/sculptures/windows show Joseph with a flowering stick, or wand. Last year, you mentioned it might be like Aaron’s blooming rod, and the rod in Joseph’s hand was a cultural symbol of ‘availability’, which the Holy Spirit caused the right candidate’s to bloom…but you can guess my point, right?
Over 73%? What? Was there a meeting? A conference call? Spanning centuries and continents, where all agreed to use the same symbolism?
Yeah right. NO. Therefore: God.
Has to be. No other possible explanation.
Great observations; this adds to the discussion- thanks.
I like your conclusion: Never put it past God to have arranged things.