4. The Annunciation

Details

Russian, second half 17th century
66.5 x 55.8 cms

Provenance:
Jan Morsink Ikonen, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Private collection, The Netherlands.

Literature:
Catalogue ‘Highlights Collection 2004’, Jan Morsink Ikonen, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Description:
The Annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel to Mary, is an important feast in both Eastern and Western Churches. The ecclesiastical festival of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25th.

The Annunciation is depicted in a traditional way on this icon. The three moments of the story are symbolic: First the appearance of Archangel Gabriel, than the blessing of Lord Sabaoth by sending the Holy Spirit from heaven and finally the acceptation of the Virgin Mary. The festival is a reminder of the Old Testament promise found in the prophecy of Isaiah 7 verse 14: Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

The apparition of the Archangel Gabriel to the Mother of God is depicted very dynamically. Mary is depicted in a gesture of acceptance, she stands and leans slightly forward, her head bowed. In her hands she is holding a red coloured wool. This detail is taken from the Gospel of James. As one of the virgins in the Temple, Mary was chosen to make the temple Veil, which screened the inner Sanctuary. When Gabriel appeared to her, she was spinning purple cloth, the most royal colour.