Germany, Late 15th Century Lot n° 18

The scene depicts the angel Gabriel within a niche, framed by a basket arch, oriented towards the right. Mary, whom he addresses, is implied to be painted on a separate panel, with only her face and hands depicted in color. The robe and niche are rendered in varying shades of gray. Illumination from the top left casts a shadow of the angel onto the wall behind, imparting a sense of depth and dimensionality. The angel's portrayal evokes the appearance of a living sculpture. This tradition of depicting the Annunciation in grisaille, with the figures appearing as if carved, originated with the panels of the Ghent Altarpiece by Hubert and Jan van Eyck in 1432. Oil on wood, 73.5 × 53 cm