Hans Memling — The Annunciation, 1465–75.

Painting: Oil on wood, 186.1 x 114.9 cm. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

One of the largest surviving depictions of the Annunciation, this imposing painting may have been the left wing of a triptych, as suggested by its tall, narrow shape and the diagonal thrust of the composition. Its patron must have been a member of the Clugny family, whose coat of arms — the two keys — decorates the carpet and stained-glass window.

The composition is based on a design by Rogier van der Weyden. Possibly commissioned before his death in 1464, it was painted by Memling who, technical evidence suggests, was a journeyman in Rogier’s workshop before establishing himself in Bruges in 1465. Source

• 15th century
• Religious
• Angel

//

Originally published on Art of Darkness: Daily Art Blog