Not like Barocci’s kneeling pink-cheeked girl
(who’d be afraid of her?) with white lace wings
that gazes up at Mary with a smile…
No, warrior Gabriel had frightened kings
and generals when he appeared: “Fear not!”
had been his necessary words to all.
More likely it was Mary fell prostrate
as holy light threw shadows on the wall,
and words that she was blest and would give birth
without knowing a man clouded her mind.
To Joseph came the same confounding truth:
an angel in a dream said he would find
her pregnant without sex. The angel’s word
from God caused them to accept the absurd.
– Steve Shoemaker, Urbana, IL, December 27, 2012
Views from the Edge 
Probably because that has been recognized by the Church as the beginning of salvation and Mary represents purity while Gabriel represents grace. It is the fulfillment of prophecy and the beginning of the continuing presence of God. At least that is my thinking. I also like to follow the history of the paintings to see how the Church has represented the estate of Mary. Giotto has it right, Bottoceli not so much.
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Jim, Now you piqued by interest. I’m going to check out the difference and get back to you. Would love to hear more from Steve on this.
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I think the Annunciation. Is next to Madonna and Child the most painted moment og the New Testament.
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Jim, Any idea why that might be?
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