Item 15
The Annunciation
18th century
Egg tempera, gold leaf on shaped wood panel
39” x 27”
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection

In this example of the Annunciation, one can readily see the Western influence. At left the Archangel Gabriel stands before Mary, who is studying Her scriptures, and announces the coming birth of Christ to Her. The Holy Spirit descends upon Mary in the form of a dove. The inscription at top reads, “The Annunciation of the Mother of God.” It is one of the 12 great feasts. The size and shape of this panel would suggest it was once part of the “festival” tier of an iconostasis in a fairly good size church.