"Do not be afraid , Zacharias, for your prayer is heard..." (Lk 1:13)
Here, in the Nativity Cycle, the drama of the announcement of a forthcoming son to the aged and barren Elizabeth and Zacharias is emphasized by the simplicity of the composition, the movement of the lines from top to bottom- from heaven to earth- and the strength of the colors. The shades of blue and gold, reaching down from Heaven, symbolize eternal light and the illumination of divine revelation. The Altar of Incense- the holy place of liturgical prayer- is symbolically placed in the center. To the right, stands priest Zacharias, and to the left, stands Archangel Gabriel who proclaims the news of the birth of the Forerunner, and pronounces sentence upon Zacharias for his lack of faith.
Catholic ping!