The Annunciation of Mary, after the original by Murillo, ca. 1870, with the addition of a stem of white lilies in Angel Gabriel's hand. The pure white lily has long been closely associated with the Virgin Mary. In early paintings, the Angel Gabriel is pictured extending to the Virgin Mary a branch of pure white lilies, announcing that she is to be the mother of the Christ Child. In other paintings, saints are pictured bringing vases full of white lilies to Mary and the infant Jesus. St. Joseph is depicted holding a lily-branch in his hand, indicating that his wife Mary was a virgin. The painting is housed in an ornate architectural gilt gesso frame with cherub head brackets at top, matched corner floral appliques, SS: 55 1/2" x 33", OS: 64 1/2" x 41 1/2". Repaired tears at top, losses to frame. Provenance: From Private Collection, Harpswell, ME.