The Annunciation - an oil painting on wood by the Dutch painter of German origin Hans Memling. The painting depicts the scene when the archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will give birth to the Son of God (Luke 1: 26-38). The theme was taken from the Gospel of Luke, which is the only one of all the Gospels to describe this event. Memling introduced Maria upon receiving the news. Her fainting body is supported by two angels. A dove hovers above her head, symbolizing the Holy Spirit descending on her. With her left hand, the woman points to the prayer book, which suggests submission to God's will. The archangel is presented in a very rich red robe with numerous floral ornaments and a black eagle. In the room, the painter placed symbolic references to the event: a decanter with water and a white lily at the bottom of the painting, symbolizing Mary's purity. The extinguished wick and the candlestick without a candle are meant to symbolize the darkness in which the world was before the birth of the Savior who brought light.