The Bible In Paintings 3 – GABRIEL'S AMAZING NEWS FOR MARY, Part 1

Fine Art America ^ | c.2,200 BC - c.95 AD | by the Father, Son & Holy Spirit

[Hebrews 11:6]

If not, there’s still the remaining images I’ve found.

[etabeta]

The Annunciation has been the subject of some great paintings in art. Great choices today! Here is one by Simone Martini (14th c.)

[Hebrews 11:6]

Thanks for adding that, Alba.

By the way, I am ignorant of the purpose of the white flower Gabriel presents to Mary in nearly every picture. Obviously, it has tremendous symbolic significance. I can guess, but I'd rather know, if you'd be so kind.

[etabeta]

Dan, when around 1300 flowers were introduced in European paintings, the artist Duccio was the first to place a vase of white lilies near Mary. Since then, the lily has been associated with the Virgin Mary, it symbolizes her purity of spirit, humility, devotion, peace, serenity. White is also the symbol of death, of mourning, so a dual meaning for Mary.

[Hebrews 11:6]

That's lovely. I could not have anticipated a dual meaning.

Thank you, Alba!

[etabeta]

One of the greatest Annunciation was painted by Antonello da Messina, unusual because it doesn't show the angel. It portrays Mary reading her devotional book and just becoming aware of a presence at her side. She seems frozen in place, only her eyes are turning to her side and the only emotion is revealed by her raised hand.

[null and void]

Good selections for a top 100.

I note that a few Angels look scary, probably truer that the kindly human looking ones, else why would nearly every case, the first thing an angel says is some variant of 'Don't be afraid'?

One doesn't need to say that to someone who isn't afraid!

It must be especially challenging for a Biblically aware artist to depict an Angel accurately. Mostly they default to a kindly looking, wise, handsome, perfect humans with doves' wings. Perhaps a battle scared victor from the battle to throw Lucifer and his minions from the Heavenly realm would be more accurate (although scary!).

[Hebrews 11:6]

Yes, I love it when artists throw off convention and really explore the possibilities inherent in the event.

[Hebrews 11:6]

Well, when you're alone and suddenly someone appears out of thin air, anyone would be startled and fearful.

I agree that painting angels is a daunting task. God has described seraphim vividly, but not the ordinary enlisted ranks. Eventually, though, we'll know how they look from personal experience, because we'll all live among them: believers with the good 'uns, and nonbelievers with the others.

[Hebrews 11:6]

My other perplexity, O Answer Woman, is: What is the symbolism of the blue that Mary is ALWAYS shown wearing?

[Vendome]

Beautiful all

though I am partial to El Greco and Botticelli...

[Albion Wilde]

Click to listen:

Gabriel's Message

The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame
“All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden, Mary
“Most highly favored lady, gloria! Gloria!”

”For known a blessed mother thou shalt be
“All generations laud and honor thee
“Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold
“Most highly favored lady, gloria! Gloria!”

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
“To me, be as it pleaseth God,” she said
“My soul shall laud and magnify His Holy Name!”
Most highly favored lady, gloria! Gloria!

[Hebrews 11:6]

Yes, I too was struck by the beauty of these, not to mention tomorrow's and Friday's on the same subject.

There are some artists with frequent biblical contributions, El Greco not least among them, whose works have a consistent style which is instantly recognizable. Among them are Doré, Hole, Qi, Rembrandt, Tissot....

[Hebrews 11:6]

Has Sting often sung songs regarding the faith?

[Albion Wilde]

An entire, very beautiful 2009 album: some religious, some secular:

PS:
FReepmail for you.

[etabeta]

Blue is the color of royalty. In iconography it represents the divine, transcendence, spirituality, the heavens. Blue has also deep biblical roots in the OT.

[Hebrews 11:6]

Thank you.

[Maudeen]

Such in-depth comments on these New Testament threads!

[Hebrews 11:6]

I’m appreciating that, too.