Behold!

You are told that you will conceive a child, but not just any child-the Son of God! This happened to the Virgin Mary. The theme, the Annunciation, has been a favorite of artists through the centuries. The message itself is mysterious and miraculous and visually it is electrifying: a resplendent angel and a beautiful woman in a wide variety of settings. Equally intriguing to the author, however, are Mary's physical and emotional reactions to the angel Gabriel's proclamation. All women...
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You are told that you will conceive a child, but not just any child-the Son of God! This happened to the Virgin Mary. The theme, the Annunciation, has been a favorite of artists through the centuries. The message itself is mysterious and miraculous and visually it is electrifying: a resplendent angel and a beautiful woman in a wide variety of settings. Equally intriguing to the author, however, are Mary's physical and emotional reactions to the angel Gabriel's proclamation. All women who are told they are pregnant experience some or all of Mary's emotions. They too may find themselves anxious, fearful, reflective, resigned or joyous over the prospect of bringing a new life into the world. Herself a mother, grandmother and professional art historian, Susanna Lombardi demonstrates that the theme of the Annunciation in art explores the greatest mystery of all, the genesis of the life force, and is also one of the most beautiful to behold.