The Annunciation

The Annunciation, George Hitchcock, 1887. Art Institute of Chicago.

Questions

-What do you see? What catches your eye?

-On first glance, what do you think is happening in this painting?

-How do you feel looking at this painting?

-Knowing that it is a depiction of the Annunciation, how does this painting differ from other Annunciation depictions you have seen? What is missing from other depictions and what is added? 

-Do you like this painting? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Reflection

When I first saw this painting, all I saw was a Dutch woman walking by flowers. It was not until I saw the title that I realized it was Our Blessed Mother. It was such an unusual and different way of her being depicted that it caught me by surprise. It did not have the angel Gabriel, the Holy Spirit, an enclosed room, or Mary studying books that are a usual staple of Annunciation depictions. Now looking at it, it brings me a great sense of peace and makes me feel close to Mary. We ourselves are not able to see angels or other heavenly beings that the Lord has created. Often times it is hard to hear the voice of the Lord and His messengers. It is through faith and trust that we know that He is there and that our guardian angels are always with us.

The simplicity of this painting reminds me of what a personal moment it was for Mary and God. Although the angel told Mary that she was going to have a son, it really was a dialogue between Mary and God if she was going to accept it and what the Lord desired for her. This piece makes me want to stop what I am doing and go to Our Lord in quiet prayer and strive to be in constant dialogue with Him. I am also reminded of how in the Garden of Eden, Eve was alone with Our Lord for a time before God woke Adam up. Would Eve have experienced God's creation in the same calm way that Mary is in this painting? The receptivity of a woman to creation is so personal, as if God created the whole world for just one to enjoy completely.

I love this painting because Our Lady is incredibly peaceful and calm. I am naturally drawn to her in this reflective state, gazing down upon the lilies. Lilies are often a symbol of purity and chastity, which Our Lady maintained throughout her life, even during her marriage to St. Joseph. The multitude of lilies is a beautiful reminder that her purity and chastity was plentiful, but so was her fruitfulness. Purity and chastity make us more fruitful, especially as women. No matter our vocation in this world, all are called to be pure of heart and chaste so as to receive everything from God and give everything to God. Mary allowed the Holy Spirit to give her to gift of her Son. Her downcast gaze and humility show her keen ear as she listens and receives the Word that the angel is bringing her. She is peaceful knowing that the Lord fulfills His promises and will care for her in all her needs.

The color scheme of this painting is very natural and makes it seem like a scene that is physically possible. The neutral colors make the blue of Mary’s dress and her white veil stand out, although slight. Her one hand seems to be cupping her stomach, aware of the miracle and life that resides in her as she says her ‘Fiat’. Her other hand comes to touch her veil, a symbol of her virgin purity and desire to be humble in the presence of Our Lord and His creatures. The halo around her head is not the usual bold and bright. It is instead subtle, as if to gently remind us that she is saintly, the Mother of God! May we too as women, be always a witness to the greatness of God and that our saintly halos be always present, ever so subtle.

Information

George Hitchcock (1850-1913) was an American painter who mostly worked and lived in Europe, which is noticeable in his painting style. His style could be likened to a mix of Pre-Raphaelite, Symbolism, and Impressionism but most always featured Dutch people and scenery as the subjects. This was reflective of his love of Europe - he actually died in the Netherlands. He had an appreciation for the simple, rural lifestyle which can be seen in several of his works. He has painted other religious scenes such as ‘The Flight into Egypt’, ‘Vespers’, and ‘The Blessed Mother’.

This specific piece was bought by Mr. and Mrs. Potter Palmer shortly after Hitchcock painted it. After the Potters died, they gifted their entire art collection to the Art Institute of Chicago. Their collection included other famous Impressionists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas. While Hitchcock never gained as much fame as an Impressionist as these other names, his biblical pieces give a unique interpretation that leaves much to be pondered.

More Questions

-Do you like this style of art? If yes, why? If not, why not?

-Do you feel connected to Mary? What part of her womanhood and virtue is on display in this painting?

-Do you think that Hitchcock meant to capture before, during, or after the moment that the angel Gabriel appears to Mary?

-Mary is shown here as a Dutch peasant girl. What could she possibly look like if she were a poor girl in different cultures? What is the importance of her being depicted this way?

-What things or events or people make you aware that angels and heavenly beings are around us, even when we cannot see them? 

Let us pray -

Lord, thank you for the gift of your Mother. Her fiat was the most powerful yes that has ever been and ever will be given. Help me to contemplate her intimate relationship with you, the simplicity and beauty of her yes, and her peace when she does your will.

Mother Mary, please lead me to your Son's heart. Teach me how to do His will without counting the cost. Please bring my intercessions and desires to Jesus, so that He may hear them from His Most Blessed Mother.

Amen.