The Annunciation c. 1596 - 1600

El Greco, painted this Annunciation, capturing a pivotal moment through vibrant spirituality. Central is the dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, descending upon Mary. Its presence echoes ancient motifs of divine intervention, seen in classical myths where gods often manifest as animals. The lilies represent purity, a visual language traceable across centuries of religious art. The angel Gabriel’s gesture, his hands crossed over his chest, is a sign of reverence, repeated in countless devotional images. Consider, however, the pre-Christian symbolism of the lily, connected to fertility goddesses. The dove, too, was once associated with goddesses of love, a bird of Aphrodite. These pagan echoes aren’t coincidental, but rather a manifestation of cultural memory. Such symbols resurface, transformed, carrying layers of subconscious associations that enrich the emotional and psychological depth of the artwork. Thus, the Annunciation is not just a depiction of a biblical event, it’s a point where these symbols converge.