Assignment - Lesson Two - Jesus in the Gospels
April 24, 2026 5:21 PM
1. Read Luke 1:26-56 and view the three art images (Tanner, Soyer, Angelico) in the resource section. Compare the three artistic descriptions of the Annunciation to the text that you have read. How do each of these images capture the annunciation that you find in the gospel of Luke? As you write your reflections, make sure to back up your reflections with the evidence that you find in the images or the biblical text. Your reflection should be at least 300 words.
2. Feel Free to engage with the posts of others as well. If a post has already been responded to, please pick a post that has not yet received a response.
This assignment is due on Friday, May 15.
Discussion (5)
Last week I mentioned in my response to classmember Patty that this section of Luke is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Mary’s song, or the Magnificat is such poetry and it really speaks to my heart. Filled with praise and humility, it expresses the wonder and deep responsibility of being called by God. It lifts up the prophecies of great reversals in wealth and status, trusting in God’s promises to be merciful and to feed the hungry. And the scene with Elizabeth is a beautiful example of connection and community, the power of women’s relationships and the support we all deserve when facing monumental life-changing moments.
In the first piece by Tanner it looks like the scene is depicting the very moment of annunciation with the bright light representing the angel Gabriel’s presence. Mary is cast in glowing light, a reflection of the glory and favor of God being projected onto her. The surroundings look humble, but I wonder about the lush robe and blanket she has - the fabric seems to indicate some amount of social standing, though that is not part of the scripture. Her expression seems to be one of caution and interest, as though she is listening but not sure yet what to make of it. Her clasped hands have a lot of energy, as though this gesture is helping her stay calm and unafraid as the angel instructed her.
I’ve never seen the Soyer piece before, but I love it! The bathroom scene is perfectly evocative of a place where women go to have privacy and share important information. There’s an intimacy there and it’s clear a younger woman is placing trust and confidence in a woman a bit more mature than herself, just as Mary went to share her news with Elizabeth. I imagine she was seeking advice, comfort, and a sense of support. The casual pose with hands in her skirt pockets looks to me like Mary is working to mentally integrate all that it will mean for her to be unmarried and pregnant, to bear a child who will become the messiah. She is comfortable enough with Elizabeth to be vulnerable.
Angelico’s piece seems more formal than the others, already depicting Mary with halo to match Gabriel’s, indicating holiness. It also places Mary in a scene that seems a few steps above humble Galilean villager - with fancy architecture and expensive fabric. Mary is seated, which is good since this isn’t the kind of news you want to receive standing up! Her posture with arms embracing herself across the stomach may be a reflexive move to someone just considering pregnancy, holding herself in that vulnerable place where new life will be seeded. But the gesture is also mirrored in the angels’ arms, so maybe it’s more of a greeting between them, an offer of safety and a response of trust. Mary’s facial expression doesn’t seem to express fear, or much other emotion, for that matter. Maybe she has been struck with the seriousness of the matter and is already working out her next moves. There is writing along the bottom of the piece - I wish I could read it or understand what it says.
After reading the other responses and doing a little bit of internet research I am happy to correct my interpretation of the Soyer piece! I misinterpreted the image as depicting Mary & Elizabeth - but I think my brain may have tricked me. I assumed because it was two women, it reflected scene later in the passage...but there's no reason this shouldn't be an image of Mary and the Angel come to tell her about Jesus' birth. I still love it - and think some of my reflections above work in this scene just as well. The privacy and intimacy of the women's restroom is a good place for this conversation. I will keep thinking about it!
In reading the Annunciation in Luke 1:26-56 and considering the three pieces of art work, I am struck by a few things. The painting by Tanner gives the closest image of what Mary might look like to me out of the three, as well as the image of light that appeared as the angel Gabriel. I love the thought of Gabriel appearing as more of a source of energy and feeling. I can imagine that there were no words spoken out loud, just and understanding and knowing that was felt by Mary. I feel like I identify with this more because of my own conversations with God.
Soyer’s painting gives me a relatable modern image of two women that are connected and close. I can picture Elizabeth and Mary in those months together, having quiet discussions that may have been excited, fearful, and a bit overwhelming, but held together by the bond of two women who were blessed by God with gifts that they never expected or imagined. I can place myself there as either one of them, knowing that the other woman is probably one of the only people who understands what I am going through in that moment. The artwork shows the undeniable trust and bond between the two. I can also appreciate the intimacy in the moment that is depicted.
The painting by Angelico, while beautiful, is my least favorite. While it is an artist’s depiction, I find the western images of Gabriel and Mary to not be what I interpret of how things looked. I can appreciate the style and the immense talent. I feel that this was appropriate for the time in which in was painted and that the likenesses given to Mary and Gabriel were to done so in context to the audience of which it was intended in order for them to relate to them.
In comparing these three pieces of artwork, while envisioning it all in my head as I was reading the text, it really brought into focus how personal our own vision is of the reading of not just the Gospels but the entire Bible. Some of it is from our own upbringing, some of it is conditioning from the times of which we live. I do appreciate trying to step back and think contextually how everything may have looked or appeare
I like the view you have put for Soyer's painting. Only women can understand each other especilly in a pregnancy time. It's beautiful to know that like you mentioned, "two women who were blessed by God with gifts that they never expected or imagined."
As I read Luke 1:26-56, the portrait of Tanner reminded me of this specific verse, where
Mary’s face looks connected, verse “29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at
his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.” (KJV). The
image of Mary’s face and what was going on in her mind? She doesn’t look afraid but
has a curios, wondering face in the portrait. To me it seems as she was observant as
she concentrated to what the angel was telling her through the message. The
brightness of the angel appearing onto Mary shows the reflection of God’s message
given to her. I see a well made portrait from Tanner reflecting the verses in the bible of
the book of Luke 1.
For the portrait of Soyar, it’s seems as it’s more modern. Can an angel be a
women? Can a message from God be given through another women? It seems more
intimate and contemporary where two women in a bathroom are alone conversing
about something profound and personal, that only women can understand each other.
When a mother has children sometimes they need that alone time and in the bathroom
is one place that is most common to find privacy. I relate this portrait to a great intimate
moment just like Mary had with the angel receiving the news of the Annunciation.
In Angelico’s portrait I find it’s a more historical and religious image. I see the
angel with wings appearing to Mary in what it seems to be the porch of her house. This
time with an astonished look and holding her arms next to her body where it can relate
to her being scared. As it reminds me of the verse in Luke 1:30, “30 And the angel said
unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” (KJV). This is a very nice
portrait but seems more historic and rich viewed in my opinion.
The Gospel of Luke presents the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) as an intersection of the divine and a person.
From Angelico’s artwork:
I find that the Annunciation here follows the traditional, doctrinal narrative and features on a submissive Mary. The supernatural angelic messenger and Mary mirrors greet each other with a shared the same hand-crossing and bowing gesture. The multi-colored wings highlights the event’s holiness. The highly structured architecture gives a deep impression of order and peace. I believe the scripture focuses land on Luke 1:38a: “Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’”
From Tanner’s artwork:
Tanner’s painting captures the overwhelmingly frightening reality of the divine visitation. Mary, the only character, sits alone in the corner of a simple peasant room. Her body language reveals her shock and disbelief because everything is beyond imagination and expectation. A bright and formless light on the left replaces the physical anger and contrasts heavily with Mary’s simple life. The art emphasizes Luke 1:29, “But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” It also subtly reflects Luke 1:35, “the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
From Soyer’s artwork:
Soyer’s interpretation is beyond my personal imagination, surprises me, and opens my eyes. The painting lacks any supernatural elements; instead, it presents an ordinary, modern setting: no angel, no halo, no light. Only two women interact in what looks like an apartment laundry room. It’s hard to tell who represents Mary, but I guess it’s the woman who holds a white cloth and looks down pensively. Compared to the well-dressed standing woman with her hands in her pockets, this modern Mary appears to have a lower social status. The unexpected pregnancy puts more pressure on her regular, low SES life, which amplifies the weight a single woman has to bear in Luke 1:34: “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”