The Annunciation 

Gustave Doré rendered "The Annunciation" using monochrome engraving. Here, the angel Gabriel extends a lily to Mary, a profound symbol of purity and divine favor. This motif of the lily, as an emblem of immaculate conception, transcends time, echoing in Renaissance paintings where angels offer lilies to the Virgin, signifying her sanctity. But the lily's journey does not end there. In ancient Greece, it was associated with Hera, the queen of the gods, linking it to concepts of fertility and rebirth. This evolution is a testament to the human psyche's ability to invest objects with layers of meaning. The lily's presence here is no mere aesthetic choice, but a powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level, triggering collective memories of purity, divinity, and renewal. Thus, Doré's "Annunciation" is a testament to the non-linear progression of symbols. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, weaving through the tapestry of human consciousness.