A Visit is one of John Swanson’s greatest works. Created in 1995, A Visit tells the story of The Annunciation in Swanson’s uniquely narrative style. It takes the Annunciation and relates it to everyday life. It showcases the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to announce the coming birth of Jesus. Mary is not center stage, rapt in prayer, she is almost lost in the lower right hand corner, fully engaged in life, feeding the chickens.

John Swanson uses the vertical composition to emphasize the progression of the story. We go through the village first, making our way down the streets, in and out of the various shops, dodging the animals to find our way to the bottom, where Mary comes to meet us.

Interwoven through the picture are 25 scenes of people doing ordinary tasks along with 27 vignettes of biblical stories. The meaning of the Incarnation is borne out in this tapestry of everyday life. Our story commingles with the story of God coming to earth and bringing forth new life. The “little stories” all start pointing to that big story of “redemption.”

A Visit has been out of print for over a decade. This serigraph is extremely cherished and rarely available for sale. It was beautifully framed by the Swanson Studio and has been protected by OP-3 Plexiglass – the finest UV protection available. This is an extraordinary print in exceptionally perfect condition.

Image Size: 38" x 18"

Paper Size: 44" x 24"

Paper: 100% cotton rag, acid free