Description
Greek Orthodox icon (19th century) – Annunciation.
Tempera on wood, unframed.
– Iconography: The Archangel Gabriel is depicted with his right hand raised in blessing, and in his left hand he holds a blooming white lily, a symbol of Mary’s purity. The Virgin Mary wears the traditional burgundy-red maphorion (mantle) and holds her head slightly bowed as a sign of humility, while the Holy Spirit descends upon her from above.
– It features inscriptions in Greek: “Ο ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΣΜΟΣ” (The Annunciation) and “ΜΓ” (Great) – ΘΥ” (abbreviation of Θεοτόκος – Mother of God).
