[91] See the Ursuline Manual. ‘When an angel anciently appeared to the patriarchs or prophets, he was received with due honour as being exalted above them, both by nature and grace; but when an archangel visited Mary, he was struck with her superior dignity and pre-eminence, and, approaching, saluted her with admiration and respect. Though accustomed to the lustre of the highest heavenly spirits, yet he was dazzled and amazed at the dignity and spiritual glory of her whom he came to salute Mother of God, while the attention of the whole heavenly court was with rapture fixed upon her.’
[92] The Annunciation and the Death of the Virgin, and the office and character of the announcing angel in both subjects, are fully treated and illustrated in the ‘Legends of the Madonna,’ pp. 179, 334.
[93] As in a very curious print by ‘Le Graveur de 1466;’ and there are other instances.
[94] Chants Royaux. Paris Bibl. Nat. MS. No. 6,989.
[95] Mr. Stirling entitles this picture ‘An Angel appearing to a Bishop at his prayers.’
[96] In the church of S. Marziale, Venice.
[97] Passavant’s Rafael, vol. ii. pp. 6, 150.
[98] Madrid Gallery.
[99] Louvre, No. 358.
[100] In our National Gallery.