The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary
By Fr. Peter Fennessy, SJ
Harald Slott-Møller, The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (1926), oil on canvas, 19.3 × 25.6 inches, private collection.
We celebrate today the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary (the earliest feast dedicated to her) and the Incarnation of the Lord, since the Word became flesh when Mary gave her consent. The abundant flowers denote new life and fecundity as well as purity. Today’s Gospel tells the story (Luke 1:26-38). And Harald Slott-Møller’s “The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary” (1926) illustrates it.
Painters often depicted Mary regally dressed and in palatial surroundings to stress her dignity, worth and nobility. Here, Mary is a young girl beside a humble home. She’s bare footed and clad in a simple shift. When the angel appeared, she had been doing some household task and, suddenly startled, she dropped a container behind her. The Archangel Gabriel bows to her, his arms are crossed in reverence. She shows what kind of person she is by her posture, facial expression and open arms with which she gives herself totally to God’s will. To become pregnant but not by Joseph could result in divorce, disgrace and even stoning to death. She has ample reason for anxiety and fear. But her response to that is the simple reply: “I am God’s servant. Whatever God wants, my answer is ‘Yes’.”
