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The Virgin Annunciate

Designer probably after design by Jean Hey (called Master of Moulins) Netherlandish
ca. 1500
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 636
The Virgin’s contemplative expression conveys her reaction to Gabriel’s startling news that she will conceive and bear the son of God. The exquisite carving of the white limestone convincingly suggests the tactile qualities of her heavy mantle secured by ribbons, her fitted dress, and her thick tresses, modestly tucked away. This refined treatment is typical of the sculptor Jean Guillaumet, who worked in Moulins in the early sixteenth century. Showing the strong influence of Jean Hey, Moulin’s leading painter, the work is an elegant sculptural counterpart to the painted version of the same subject by Hans Memling in this gallery.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Virgin Annunciate
  • Artist: Jean Guillaumet (French, ca. 1465–documented in Bourbon until 1515)
  • Designer: probably after design by Jean Hey (called Master of Moulins) (Netherlandish, active fourth quarter 15th century)
  • Date: ca. 1500
  • Culture: French, Bourbon
  • Medium: White limestone with traces of polychromy
  • Dimensions: 38 × 12 × 10 1/2 in., 112 lb. (96.5 × 30.5 × 26.7 cm, 50.8 kg)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Charles Hack and The Hearn Family Trust, in honor of Maryan Ainsworth, 2024
  • Object Number: 2024.594
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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