Annunciatie 1930

Lodewijk Schelfhout created this Annunciation print. The Angel Gabriel is depicted mid-announcement to Mary, her book resting on her lap, a symbol of her piety and study of scripture. The halo, a circle of light around the head, signifies divine grace. This motif can be traced back to ancient sun worship, adopted by the Romans to denote emperors and then by Christianity to represent saints and divine figures. Note how Gabriel’s raised hand, a gesture of speech and blessing, has roots in Roman oratory. This single hand emerges again in countless images across time, from religious art to political propaganda. Consider how such gestures tap into our collective consciousness, triggering deep-seated emotional responses and reinforcing cultural memory. The Annunciation scene, in particular, carries a powerful psychological weight, portraying a moment of profound transformation and divine intervention that has resonated for centuries. We see this cyclical progression of symbols, resurfacing, evolving, and accruing new layers of meaning as they traverse history.