Part 1

Produced by Michael Gray, Diocese of San Jose

_Hofmann, Plate 1,_ shows the moment when Gabriel says: "Blessed art thou among women." (Luke 1:28.) In this picture only, the angel approaches from behind. The picture recalls the experience of another Mary (John 20:14).

_Guido Reni, Plate 2,_, has chosen the instant when Gabriel says, "Thou hast found favor with God." The infant angels represent, perhaps, "the spirits of love, intelligence and innocence," [1] and accompany the Divine Presence because of the words of Christ, when speaking of children, "Their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 18:10.)

_Müller, Plate 3,_ seems to have shown the moment when Mary said, "Let it be unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38.) His figures and faces express less animation than any of the others.

_Dosso, Plate 4,_ represents Gabriel as saying, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee" (Luke 1:35), for both the dove, symbol of the Holy Ghost, and the Highest himself, upon a cloud and accompanied with cherubs, are present. (Compare 2 Sam. 22:10-12.)

_Baroccio, Plate 5,_ seems to have seized upon the moment when Mary has just asked "How shall this be?" (Luke 1:34). The angel is encouraging her faith by reference to Elisabeth. (Luke 1:36.)

[1] Mrs. Jameson, "Sacred and Legendary Art," vi., p. 57.