Annunciation Icon - Byzantine Theotokus - 15th century - Replica 9.5cm x 12cm
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Product details
Replica - 12 x 9.5cm
Mounted on wood
The Annunciation represents the supreme moment of salvation history- when God became Man to take away our sins and to conquer death. It is also the moment in which our salvation hung by a thread- at the word of a humble maiden the fate of the human race was decided. We are fortunate that that woman was Mary, and that she said yes.
In the icon of the Annunciation, we see two figures- the angel Gabriel and the Holy Theotokos. Gabriel is standing with feet wide apart, giving a sense of urgency, as if he is running to Mary to tell her the good news. In some icons, his wing is bent toward heaven as if he is still in the midst of his descent to earth. In his left hand is a staff, symbolizing his authority and his messenger status. His right hand is extended with the fingers arranged in that of a blessing with the unmistakable gesture of an ambassador on a diplomatic mission as he tells her the good news.
Above Mary, we see furnishings and abstract building structures. This is to indicate that this event is happening inside and is portrayed this way so as to avoid distracting the viewer from the event at hand. There is often a red cloth draped between two structures, which represents the reconnection of a cosmos divided by sin, made possible by the Incarnation.
Her slightly bowed head and her posture suggest to us her humility as well as her consent and obedience. Her right hand is lifted in her acceptance of the will of God. Her left hand is clasped around needle and thread. Tradition says that Mary at the time was living in the temple and had been given the task of weaving a new veil to cover the sanctuary. In many icons of the Annunciation there is a single thread that falls from the ball of thread and loops up and over Mary's right hand, extending across her body. Or in others the thread merely dangles in front of her. This symbolizes the conception of Christ.
Icons of the Annunciation are often put on the royal doors in churches, which is the main entrance to the sanctuary, directly in front of the altar. It is in front of these doors that the faithful receive communion. The architecture of the sanctuary represents the Kingdom of God and so Mary stands as the meeting place of heaven and earth. In the Annunciation, Mary received Jesus, body and soul. When we receive communion, we do the same.