Mary was a 1st-century Galilean Jewish woman of Nazareth, and the mother of Jesus according to the New Testament and the Quran. The gospels of Matthew and Luke describe Mary as a virgin, and Christians believe that she conceived her son while a virgin by the Holy Spirit. The birth of Jesus took place when Mary was already betrothed to Joseph and was awaiting the concluding rite of marriage. Mary has been venerated since Early Christianity, and is considered by millions to be the most meritorious saint of the religion.
Mary is depicted here in The Virgin in Prayer, a 17th century oil painting on canvas by the Italian artist Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato.Painting: Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato