17th-century Austrian School, the Annunciation - Antique Oil Painting

17th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A beautiful 17th-century oil on canvas depicting the annunciation of the Virgin Mary. This biblical story refers to the moment that Mary is told by the angel Gabriel that she is to become the mother of Jesus Christ.

Luke 1:26–38

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.

“May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

This important biblical moment has been depicted throughout the centuries and many of the masters have produced their own interpretations. For instance, in 1472, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) created a fine version of the Annunciation, with Gabriel kneeling before a seated Mary. While Sandro Botticelli (1444-1510) added movement and a sense of drama.

This particular piece was almost certainly designed for public or private worship. Perhaps a church or private chapel. It lacks the refinement of the old masters, yet still describes the story with spirit and symbolism. Note the dove, which symbolises the Holy Spirit’s presence on Earth - with its ray of light shining down on Mary. And the Lily held by Gabriel to represent the Virgin’s purity.

The painting is held within a decorative wooden frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 23” x 27½” / 59cm x 70cm

Year of creation: c. 1650

Provenance: Germany

Condition: Craquelure. Some minor paint loss. Historic repairs. Frame with some light age-related wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

70cm (27.56")

Width

59cm (23.23")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA857090

Description

A beautiful 17th-century oil on canvas depicting the annunciation of the Virgin Mary.

“

This biblical story refers to the moment that Mary is told by the angel Gabriel that she is to become the mother of Jesus Christ.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. 17th-Century Austrian School, The Annunciation - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. 17th-century Austrian School, the Annunciation - Antique Oil Painting

Luke 1:26–38

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”

fig 2. 17th-Century Austrian School, The Annunciation - Antique Oil Painting — fig 2. 17th-century Austrian School, the Annunciation - Antique Oil Painting

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.

“May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

This important biblical moment has been depicted throughout the centuries and many of the masters have produced their own interpretations. For instance, in 1472, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) created a fine version of the Annunciation, with Gabriel kneeling before a seated Mary. While Sandro Botticelli (1444-1510) added movement and a sense of drama.

fig 3. 17th-Century Austrian School, The Annunciation - Antique Oil Painting — fig 3. 17th-century Austrian School, the Annunciation - Antique Oil Painting

This particular piece was almost certainly designed for public or private worship. Perhaps a church or private chapel. It lacks the refinement of the old masters, yet still describes the story with spirit and symbolism. Note the dove, which symbolises the Holy Spirit’s presence on Earth - with its ray of light shining down on Mary. And the Lily held by Gabriel to represent the Virgin’s purity.