Physiognomies: Family Resemblances
Lorenzo Ferri, the illustrator of Maria Valtorta, created several portraits under her guidance and during her lifetime. Most of these are reputed to correspond to received visions. On this page, we bring together a few portraits that highlight the dominant traits of the Families. Resemblances that cannot be fabricated.
Joseph and his nephews
Jude (on the right) and James (in the center) resemble their uncle Joseph (on the left), the husband of Mary. The four sons of Alphaeus (Joseph, Simon, James, and Jude) also descend from David, although their mother, Mary, daughter of Cleophas, is probably of Galilean stock. Alphaeus and Joseph, born in Bethlehem, are Judeans. They emigrated young due to political persecution.
Simon Peter and Andrew the Apostle
Simon Peter and Andrew the Apostle, two Galileans, sons of Jonas, share some physical similarities, such as cheekbones, nose, … In terms of character, it is another matter. If Peter, the elder, is outgoing and often boastful, his brother is introverted and sensitive. They are not known to have other brothers or sisters, nor the name of their mother.
The Family of Bethany
Lazarus, Martha, and Mary descend from Theophilus, an ethnarch of Antioch in Syria, and from Eucheria of Theophilus, of royal descent. Wealthy and protected by the Romans whom their father had served, it is on their property that Jesus takes refuge without being disturbed, even after his condemnation by the Sanhedrin. The gaze of the two sisters is similar, as are some facial details.
John the Baptist and the Hebron Stock
Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, is Judean of the Hebron stock where Elizabeth lives, whom the young Mary, her cousin, comes to visit. The three portraits share a sharp profile.
Jesus and his maternal lineage
Mary, like her parents, are Judeans who emigrated to Galilee due to political persecution. It is through Joachim, her grandfather, and through her mother that Jesus is truly of the descent of David. The facial traits resemble each other. Through his grandmother, Jesus is descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses.
