Show all images on one page	#001545 Title: Icon of Annunciation Artist: Kurilov Vladimir Size: 21x17x1.5 Size (inches): 8.25x6.75x0.5 Price : $975 SOLD!

Vladimir Kurilov of Palekh painted this stunning icon of Annunciation. This biblical event is centered on the persona of Mary. She is a young maiden from Nazareth, who receives the announcement from the Archangel Gabriel that she will give birth to God's Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the flesh because she has found favor with God. The term "annunciation" means the "announcement" of glad tidings from God to members of the human race.
The Archangel Gabriel is depicted on the right, bearing a flower, indicative of Mary's purity. He greets the Blessed Virgin with the words: "Hail, O you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you". His billowing garments, abundantly decorated with gold, are reminiscent of the renaissance masters. On the right side of the icon, Mary is seen seated on a small throne, as a symbol of her queenship. Her head is slightly tilted to one side, while her hands are postured as if in prayer. Her humble glance and posture signify her response to the Archangel's words. The book of the Old Testament depicted near her, signifies Mary's consent to become the Mother of God. On the top of the icon, in its right corner, there is a circle, symbolizing Heaven itself. From here, a light covers the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and descends upon the Blessed Virgin, to indicate that the birth of her Son is of the Holy Spirit. The theological significance of the Annunciation feast is twofold: God wills to save mankind by descending to the earth and taking on human flesh (the Incarnation), and Man wills to be saved by God through the consent of His condescension. In brief, we witness this coming together, or synergy of two wills. The divine and human transforms to save our fallen world.
The icon is painted on the plate made out of paper-mache. To paint it the artist has used brown, red and green tones. Gold is richly used for detailing and decoration, aluminum paint is also used but in small amounts. The exterior of the plate is painted with brown lacquer. The artist has signed and dated (2004) his work.