Thursday, February 16, 2006

Annunciation on Royal Doors, Ohrid, Macedonia

Annunciation on Royal Doors

Icon Gallery, Ohrid

Found at: www.soros.org.mk


Annunciation on Royal Doors Gabriel

15th century doors originally from the church in Botun, Ohrid. Today the doors are in Icon Gallery, Ohrid.

Iconography: The panels, decorated with turned wooden pawn-shaped knobs along the top, show respectively the Mother of God, standing on a low pedestal, and the Archangel Gabriel, landing on an elliptical cushion. Both in full length.

Behind the Mother of God there is a richly decorated throne with a back, an exceptional rendering of a throne made in turned wood, and architecture with very steep stairs. The Mother of God is dressed in a chiton and a maphorion boarded with a gold band and her right hand, raised in a gesture of surprise holding a purple thread; in her left hand a clew.

The Archangel Gabriel, turned towards her, gives a blessing with his right hand and holds a rod in his left. He is dressed in a chiton and a himation falling in folds down his back. Requisite architecture in the background.