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"The Annunciation"
written by Ustinian Tilov
Catalog # 1.47
Medium: tempera on wood.
Hand-made according to the
Bulgarian Iconographic tradition and
techniques.
Possible heights:
A) 19 - 21 cm
B) 25 - 27 cm
C) 38 - 40 cm
As for the width, the proportions of the original icon will
be kept.
The Annunciation
(royal gates), end of the 16th C., from the Preobrazhenie monastery, Tempera on wood, 120x86,5 cm
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The angel, hastening towards the virgin, is depicted on the left wing of the gate.His left knee is bent and his right footrests backward, balanced by the left arm which is brought forward. The red outspread wings (with green tips) repeat the supple outline of the body and further enhance the illusion of movement. The messenger holds a crosier with both hands,his arms stretched out to the virgin,who is featured standing and wearing amaphorion over a dark-blue chiton. Her feet in red slippers, a token of her regality , stand upon a suppedaneum. The virgin is holding a spindle of red wool from which she was to weave a curtain for the temple. Her acceptance of the Archangel’s announcement is calm. Her head is slightly bent and her eyes are turned to the viewer.
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An elaborate architectural compositionis depicted behind the two figures, given in inverse perspectiveand coloured in shades of brown with a mixture of red. The Prophets David and Saolomon stand in the windows, and are semantically linked with the scene.
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The faces are brown with wide patches of pink ochre. Highlights are placed on the whole cheek down to the chin. The contrasting build-up of light and shade emphasizes the relief of the volumes.
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The measured gestures of the figures, the rhythmical balance of the volumes, the restrained emotions in which there is no unnecessary exaltation, the warm colour scheme in a general brown tone, all lend the icon an exquisite harmony.