The Annunciation, c. 1480
Martin Schongauerexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Bequest of Herschel V. Jonesexpand_more P.68.252
Not on Viewexpand_more
The angel Gabriel tells Mary, a virgin, that she will bear the son of God, Jesus. Martin Schongauer fills the tender scene with delicacy and grace. As had already become customary by his time, he shows Mary as having been interrupted while at prayer, but his unusually tight composition, with Gabriel approaching Mary from behind, emphasizes the element of surprise. In another innovation, he gave Gabriel a laurel crown, which had associations with both love and power. In the sky, we catch a glimpse of God, who has sent the Holy Spirit, symbolized as a dove, to impregnate Mary.
Details
- Title
- The Annunciation
- Artist Life
- c. 1440/53–1491
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.68.252
- Provenance
- (Frederick Keppel & Co., New York, until 1916; sold, May 9, for $2,200, to Jones); Herschel V. Jones, Minneapolis (May 9, 1916 - d. May 24, 1928; bequeathed to MIA.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Lehrs 1; B.3, L.V.39.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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