The triptych called Merode altarpiece shows showing of Gabriel to Mary. This art piece is full of details that serve the purpose of symbolizing different meanings.
<u>Some of the symbols are:</u>
<u>white lilies </u><u>in the vase symbolize </u><u>Mary's purity</u>
<u>the vesse</u><u>l on the wall, above Mary, is the </u><u>symbol of her sinless state</u>
<u>the white towel</u><u> is another symbol of her </u><u>purity </u>
<u>walled garden </u><u>(closed garden) on the left, in which patrons are stated, is the typical Medieval and Renaissance </u><u>symbol of Mary's virginity</u>
<u>tiny naked child</u><u> above Gabriel, coming from the light to Mary, is the </u><u>symbol of body and soul of Jesus Christ</u>
<u>the cross</u><u> baby caries is a symbol of </u><u>forthcoming sacrifice </u>
<u>extinguished candle</u><u> metaphor the </u><u>sudden entrance of the Holy Ghost</u><u> </u>
<u>mouse traps</u><u> that are around Joseph, on the right side of the altarpiece, represent the statement of St Augustine that the </u><u>cross of the Lord was the devil's mousetrap </u>
