Our Lady of the Annunciation

The Our Lady of the Annunciation icon was hand-painted by Monika Żurowska in the Monnci Art studio and inspired by the figure of the Virgin Mary from an Italian Annunciation polyptych. In my interpretation, I preserved the elegance and contemplative character of this traditional image while giving the work an individual expression through colour, light and exceptionally detailed hand-worked gilding.

At the centre of this intimate composition is Mary at a moment of profound inner contemplation. Her gently inclined head, lowered gaze and hands crossed over her chest form a gesture of humility, trust and acceptance. It is a moment suspended between the message and the response – the quiet consent that opens the mystery of the Incarnation.

The complete narrative scene of the Annunciation is deliberately absent. Mary alone remains, allowing attention to focus on her face, the gesture of her hands and the silence that becomes one of the most important elements of the image.

Our Lady of the Annunciation icon – symbolism and meaning

The Annunciation is one of the most significant moments in the Christian tradition. It represents the encounter between divine reality and human freedom, and the moment in which Mary’s response opens the way to the mystery of the Incarnation.

The gesture of hands crossed over the chest refers to traditional representations of the Virgin accepting the will of God. It expresses humility, trust, openness and readiness for what is about to unfold.

For me, this quiet gesture became one of the defining elements of the composition. There is no theatrical movement or dramatic expression. Instead, there is silence, contemplation and conscious presence.

Mary’s gaze remains gently lowered, as though turned inward. Rather than directing the viewer beyond the image, it invites a moment of stillness and contemplation.

Gold and light – the most demanding part of the icon

Gold plays an essential role in this hand-painted Our Lady of the Annunciation icon.

The elaborate ornamental halo and crown surround the Virgin’s face with light and create a strong contrast with the deep blue of her garment. The 23.75-karat gold leaf is not merely decorative. Within the iconographic tradition, gold symbolises a spiritual light independent of a particular place, time of day or natural source.

The gilded surface was developed with exceptional care and required many hours of precise and highly demanding work. Every ornament, fine decorative detail and rhythmic element of the halo and crown was executed entirely by hand.

The treatment of the surface allows the gold to respond to even subtle changes in illumination. Viewed from different angles, different parts of the ornament become visible – some appear more strongly in direct light, while others emerge only as the perspective changes.

It is precisely this meticulous and labour-intensive treatment of the gilded areas that gives the icon its distinctive and individual character.

The Our Lady of the Annunciation icon therefore preserves a careful balance between the richness of the hand-worked ornament and the stillness and delicacy of Mary’s face.

Ornament as an integral part of the composition

Hand-worked ornament also appears across Mary’s garment, establishing a subtle relationship between decoration, colour and light.

I do not treat these details as additional embellishment. They form part of the overall composition and are intended to lead the eye towards the Virgin’s face while enriching the surface with details that become most visible when the icon is viewed closely.

The deep blue of Mary’s garment is balanced by warm oranges and ochres surrounding the figure. The gilded ornament creates a visual connection between these areas and introduces luminosity throughout the composition.

Despite its intimate dimensions, the work contains a remarkable amount of detail. Close viewing reveals the precision of both the painted and gilded surfaces.

Wax-casein tempera and layered painting

This Our Lady of the Annunciation icon was created in wax-casein tempera on a wooden panel.

The painted surface was developed gradually through successive layers and subtle tonal transitions. Particular attention was given to the Virgin’s face. Delicate modelling, restrained highlights and soft transitions emphasise her inner contemplation rather than creating a naturalistic portrait.

The relationship between precise painting and richly worked gold creates a dialogue between the physical materials – wood, pigment and metal – and the spiritual meaning of the image.

An intimate scale with a distinctive presence

At 20 × 15 cm, the icon has a particularly personal character. Its intimate format encourages close viewing, allowing the details of the Virgin’s face, crown, ornament and gilded halo to be fully appreciated.

The Our Lady of the Annunciation icon may find its place in a private prayer space, bedroom, study, living room or refined contemporary interior. Its dimensions make it suitable both for hanging on a wall and for display on a shelf, console or small icon stand.

As the light changes throughout the day, different details of the gilded surface become visible, allowing the work to reveal a subtly different character depending on its surroundings and the way it is displayed.

For me, this is above all an image of silence, acceptance and inner light – a moment in which a subtle gesture carries profound meaning.

This Our Lady of the Annunciation icon is an original, one-of-a-kind artwork created in the Monnci Art studio with careful attention to every painted and gilded detail.

Artist: Monika Żurowska
Studio: Monnci Art
Subject: Our Lady of the Annunciation
Technique: wax-casein tempera, 23.75-karat gold leaf
Support: wooden panel
Dimensions: 20 × 15 cm
Inspiration: the figure of the Virgin Mary from an Italian Annunciation polyptych
Availability: original, one-of-a-kind artwork
Price: PLN 1,500

Discover more hand-painted icons by Monnci Art in the gallery, learn more about Monika Żurowska, or enquire about a commissioned icon.