The Annunciation

The Annunciation

The Annunciation

Artist:
Attributed to Petrus Christus (Netherlandish, Baarle-Hertog (Baerle-Duc), active by 1444–died 1475/76 Bruges)
Date:
ca. 1450
Medium:
Oil on wood
Dimensions:
Overall 31 x 25 7/8 in. (78.7 x 65.7 cm); painted surface 30 1/2 x 25 1/4 in. (77.5 x 64.1 cm)
Classification:
Paintings
Credit Line:
The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931

This Annunciation is exceptional for its bird’s-eye view and outdoor setting. Sheltered in the doorway of a church and greeted by Gabriel, Mary is presented not only as the recipient of the message of the Incarnation, but also as the personification of the Church (Ecclesia). The architecture, which is part Romanesque (right) and part Gothic (left), refers to the coming of Christ and the transition from Judaism to Christianity. A fragment of a larger composition, the picture is notable for its meticulous observation of plant life and was formerly ascribed to Van Eyck.

Provenance
Prince of Charleroi (or Charolais); J. J. van Hal, Antwerp (his estate sale, Snyers, Antwerp, August 23, 1836, no. 80, as by Jan van Eyck, for Fr 2,800 to Nieuwenhuys); C. J. Nieuwenhuys, Brussels (1836–at least 1847); Monsieur Parent, Paris (by 1860); his granddaughter, comtesse O'Gorman, Paris (probably until 1926; sold to Allen Loebl); [Allen Loebl, Paris, 1926; sold to Lehman]; Philip Lehman, New York (1926; sold to Kleinberger); [Kleinberger, New York, 1926; sold for $65,000 to Friedsam]; Michael Friedsam, New York (1926–d. 1931)

Copyright Image
https://images.metmuseum.org