The Annunciation
The Archangel Gabriel and the Blessed Mother
24 X 48 (48 X 48) - acrylic on two birch panels
The Annunciation: The scene according to the New Testament: the Archangel Gabriel announces to the young Virgin that she will bear the Son of God --- the Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Luke 1:35.
About the painting: In the Orthodox icons of the Annunciation, Mary holds in her left hand, a spool of scarlet yarn which depicts her task --- to prepare the veil for the Temple in Jerusalem. The veil which represents the separation of earth and the Holy of Holies which only the high priest could enter. The same veil that was torn from top to bottom at the moment Christ died on the Cross.
Matthew 27:51.
The Holy Spirit is depicted by gold streams in the upper left corner of the panel of Mary.
In Orthodox icons, Mary's garments are usually red and blue. Red represents earth and blue, heaven. This is because Mary is where heaven and earth met. However, in this painting I was asked to paint Mary in the Ukrainian Orthodox style.
These panels hang several feet above the floor in an Orthodox church.
Feast Day: March 25th (9 months before Christmas)
Read about Gabriel and his important role in the Bible.
Inspiration: The Annunciation is one of my most favorite event in the Bible. By saying YES to God's call, Mary gives us the best example of how we should respond to whatever God is asking of us.
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