The painting shows a medieval style portrait of a woman, Maria Virgo or the Virgin Mary, with a halo around her thinly veiled head and some lilies in her hand. The title appears in the top left corner of the image in a medieval style script. The Annunciation Lily signifies Divine Love. The three fully opened blooms represent the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit.
This painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1915. It was inspired by May’s conversion to Catholicism in 1899. She also produced a number of devotional paintings and altarpieces for churches in Liverpool.
1915
Oil on Board
BORGM 00535
Image and text © Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, 2021
Where you'll find this
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Permanent collection