The painting reminds me of another 19th c. artist - William-Adolphe Bouguereau - whose paintings are in the Met , as well as the Brooklyn Museum. I'm partial to Fra Angelico's rendition of the subject. But the one you show is interesting nonetheless, especially since Gabriel is shown simply as a luminescence.
I wasn't aware of Tolkien's devotion to St. Bernadette! I'd be interested to hear more; where does he discuss his views on Lourdes?
See Holly Ordway's recent book on Tolkien's faith, Sean.
The painting reminds me of another 19th c. artist - William-Adolphe Bouguereau - whose paintings are in the Met , as well as the Brooklyn Museum. I'm partial to Fra Angelico's rendition of the subject. But the one you show is interesting nonetheless, especially since Gabriel is shown simply as a luminescence.