A world in a painting

Had a phonecall from my very good friends in Aberystwyth today, talking about this n that. Another of my favourite paintings came up in conversation, so I thought I'd hunt it out on the net and post it on here for Advent.

Painted over 500 years ago by the Sicilian Antonello da Messina (1430-1479), it depicts the Madonna of the Annunciation. Mary has just received her News, and is beginning to digest... and think... and wonder... and feel. Study her face and her eyes, then her two hands. Contemplate this great painting for a little while. I use it in meditations and days of recollection to help us get into the humanity of Our Lady, a human being, a woman, and a wife and mother.