The Annunciation
by Gloria Ssali
Title
The Annunciation
Artist
Gloria Ssali
Medium
Painting - Acrylics On Ceramic Tile
Description
Mary (Hebrew: מרים, Miriam; Aramaic: Maryām; Arabic:مريم, Maryam), commonly referred to as "Saint Mary", "Mother Mary", the "Virgin Mary", the "Blessed Virgin Mary", or "Mary, Mother of God", was a Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee.
The canonical gospels of Matthew and Luke describe Mary as a virgin (Greek παρθένος, parth�s).[5] Traditionally, Christians believe that she conceived her son miraculously by the agency of the Holy Spirit. This took place when she was already betrothed to Saint Joseph and was awaiting the concluding rite of marriage, the formal home-taking ceremony.[6] She married Joseph and accompanied him to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.[3] In keeping with Jewish custom, the betrothal would have taken place when she was around 12, and the birth of Jesus about a year later.[7]
The New Testament begins its account of Mary's life with the Annunciation, when the archangel Gabriel appeared to her and announced her divine selection to be mother of Jesus. Church tradition and early non-biblical writings state that her parents were an elderly couple, Saint Joachim and Saint Anne. The Bible records Mary's role in key events of the life of Jesus from his conception to his Ascension. Apocryphal writings tell of her subsequent death and bodily assumption into heaven.
Christians of the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and Lutheran churches believe that Mary, as mother of Jesus, is the Mother of God (Μήτηρ Θεοῦ) and the Theotokos, literally Birthgiver of God. Mary has been venerated in Christianity since the Apostolic Age. Throughout the ages she has been a favorite subject in Christian art, music, and literature.
There is significant diversity in the Marian beliefs and devotional practices of major Christian traditions. The Catholic Church has a number of Marian dogmas, such as the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption. Catholics refer to her as Our Lady and venerate her as the Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church
Uploaded
December 11th, 2011
Embed
Share
Comments (79)
Christiane Schulze Art And Photography
A very eyecatching work Gloria, love the colors and shape (F/L)
ANA MARIA EDULESCU
What an amazing piece of art this is, Gloria. Such complexity of patterns and fabulous use of colors. Superb work with layers and layers of meaning. f,l
Kimberlee Baxter
This is a wonderful and delightful spiritual work of art, Gloria! I love this work of a mosaic of ceramics or glass! I love the colors and the swirls of pattern combined with geometric shapes! Many mainstream Protestant Christians believe Mary to be the earthly mother of Jesus and not the actual mother of Jesus, because they believe that Jesus was in the world with the Father at the beginning of the creation or when foundation of the earth was laid! I do believe, however, that many women like myself, identify strongly with her as a strong spiritual figure! I, also, believe that because God, as well his son Jesus and his angels, are Spirit, that God is not limited to any particular human form or appearance, but Infinite and Universal! I love your interpretation here of Mary as a work of art, Gloria! It is so full of light and beauty! Love it! Fave! L/F!
ANA MARIA EDULESCU
I'm simply in love with this work of yours, Gloria. Astonishing composition and use of colors ! f,l