On Boldness in the Face of Uncertainty: A Reflection on Tanner’s “The Annunciation”

I first stumbled upon my favorite painting during a spontaneous trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in high school. As a Catholic since birth, the story it so beautifully portrays was not new to me, but I was all at once struck by its raw nature and the way I saw myself as a 14-year-old reflected in the face of the Virgin Mary. At the time, faith was a mere backdrop in my life, and I looked to the image only for its beauty and uniqueness rather than its powerful underlying message. After standing mesmerized by the image for what felt like hours, I moved along, not realizing the importance that very same painting would play in my life many years later. 

In the fall of 2020, I found myself trekking down the winding Schuylkill River Trail, sucking up every iota of fresh air that I could after so many months in lockdown. I walked past young families, roller skaters, and healthcare workers taking a much needed break. At the end of the path, I looked up to be met with the glowing aura of the museum I had visited all those years ago. Having nothing to do and in need of inspiration to launch into another school year, I decided to take a quick trip inside. I strolled past beautiful images of long-gone civilizations, historical personas, and abstract figures forming lines and colors beckoning me to make sense of them. I soon stumbled into the same room that had mesmerized me in high school. I looked up in awe at Tanner’s “The Annunciation,” taken not only by its undeniable charm, but also enlightened through the years between the last time I stood beneath it to see the implication and message it holds for so many of us today. 

Mary, as portrayed in the image, is a 16-year-old faced with a life-changing event - she is to carry and raise the savior of the world, Jesus. How could she, a young girl from humble beginnings and little means take on such a gargantuan task? Yet, despite the odds stacked against her, Mary gave a bold, unequivocal “yes” to what was being asked of her. Through humility, boldness, and unwavering faith, she overcame obstacle after obstacle, and is revered by the Church as the most powerful and important woman in history. 

What does this mean for us in the modern age? 

Since the beginning of the pandemic last year, there have been countless moments of despair, sadness, and pain that have overtaken our world. From the virus which has ravaged society, to the civil unrest in the face of ongoing social injustice, to the tense election cycle last fall, there has been no shortage of uncertainty, fear, and pain.

Despite all of this, I have been moved by observing the boldness and love of so many in my community, across the country, and around the world. People have banded together to spread love and peace, and to work to serve and provide for others. These unequivocal and brave “yeses” are reminiscent of Mary’s leap into action when a world-altering event stood before her. This bravery and boldness in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles and humble means is by far humanity’s most beautiful trait, and one that is so clearly reflected in Tanner’s piece. 

In the words of Alain de Botton, “A good half of the art of living is resilience.” I am in awe, just as I was gazing upon the painting all those years ago, of the boldness and faith of each person around me in overcoming the daunting circumstances of the past year, and reflecting upon it allows me to gain the courage to face tomorrow and its uncertainty with an unwavering “yes.”