Murillo, Bartolomé Esteban (1617-1682)
La Anunciación (Annunciation)
c.1650
Oil on canvas, 183 x 225 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid
The Archangel Gabriel has descended from the heavens and kneels before Mary to announce the birth of Christ. The Angel holds some white lilies symbolising purity in his left hand while with the right he points to the Holy Spirit. Mary kneels in prayer, her hands crossed on her breast in a gesture of acceptance. The use of chiaroscuro suggests that this is an early work. (MNP)