Angelic Salutation (Stoss)

The English greeting is from the Middle Ages the name for the greeting words of the Archangel Gabriel, as he announced to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah (Jesus Christ ). The name of the greeting as English is derived from angels; with the English language, the term has nothing to do.

The relevant verses are in the New Testament in Luke 1.28 EU ( " Hail Mary ..."). In Latin, the greetings begin with " Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum ." They were together with the greeting words of Elizabeth to the prayer of the Hail Mary. The Angelus prayer in the morning, afternoon and evening prayers in the Catholic Church, considered the incarnation of God.

Representation in art

The scene with Mary and the angel was often depicted in paintings and sculptures. The scene is usually Mary and the angel in the interior of a house is, probably as a symbol of Mary's inwardness, chastity, and virginity (see hortus conclusus ). Sometimes brings Mary by the angel a white lily, a symbol of virginity and purity, while the gestures of surprise and girl being touched express. Sometimes Mary is represented reading in a book, so the connection with the announcement of the Messiah is emphasized by the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament.

In many representations of the Holy Spirit appears in the form of a dove, in other representations, the conception is represented by a light beam striking Maria.

• Mary ( Fine Art)
• Salutation
• Angel
• Themes and motifs (New Testament)