The apocryphal life of Mary was never condemned, as someapocryphal books were. It could be recommended for praising Mary, even if its details were not reliable. The account tells us that as a three year old child Mary went to live in the Temple in Jerusalem, welcomed by the High Priest.

Some scholars cite this episode to show that the author did not have a Jewish background, since such a procedure would have been unthinkable.

Eastern representations often emphasize the parents' care, and the High Priest's welcome.

Ikon, Novgorod School, nineteenth century.

Fresco in the Protaton Church on Mt. Athos attributed to Manuel Panselinos, fourteenth century.

. Western representations often use a flight of steps to emphasize the distance between Mary's former life and the temple.

Giotto, Arena chapel, Padua

Trés riches heures.

Titian: whole painting at top, and, below, detail of Mary on steps.