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The Annunciation

1440–50
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 635

Locating the Annunciation in a private chamber, this small panel is strongly influenced by early Netherlandish painting. However, it shows the biblical event as a legal transaction: instead of addressing the Virgin, the Archangel delivers his message in a document with three wax seals, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The document substantiates the truth of Gabriel’s Annunciation and is proof of the new covenant between God and humanity. Mary crosses her hands over her heart in acquiescence.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Annunciation
  • Artist: South German (Bavarian?) Painter (1440–50)
  • Date: 1440–50
  • Medium: Oil and gold on linden
  • Dimensions: 6 5/16 x 4 1/8 in. (16 x 10.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Julie and Lawrence Salander, in honor of Keith Christiansen, 2005
  • Object Number: 2005.103
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, Albrecht Dürer German, Oil on linden
Virgin and Child with Saint Anne
Albrecht Dürer
probably 1519
Salvator Mundi, Albrecht Dürer German, Oil on linden
Salvator Mundi
Albrecht Dürer
ca. 1505
Saint John on Patmos, Hans Baldung (called Hans Baldung Grien) German, Oil, gold, and white metal on spruce
Saint John on Patmos
Hans Baldung (called Hans Baldung Grien)
ca. 1511
Hermann von Wedigh III (died 1560), Hans Holbein the Younger German, Oil and gold on oak
Hermann von Wedigh III (died 1560)
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