Artwork

Verkündigung Mariae, Rückseite: Hl. Dorothea

Verkündigung Mariae, Rückseite: Hl. Dorothea, by Master of Heiligenkreuz, wood, 1405
Verkündigung Mariae, Rückseite: Hl. Dorothea, by Master of Heiligenkreuz, wood, 1405

Verkündigung Mariae, Rückseite: Hl. Dorothea is a wood painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of Heiligenkreuz. It dates from 1405 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The Verkündigung Mariae, Rückseite: Hl.

About this work

Overview

The Verkündigung Mariae, Rückseite: Hl. Dorothea is a wood panel painting created in 1405 by the Master of Heiligenkreuz Abbey, an Austrian artist of the early 15th century.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts the Annunciation on one side and Saint Dorothy on the reverse. The Annunciation scene shows an angel kneeling before a woman, with two men on a balcony and three angels on a rooftop behind them, suggesting a narrative with multiple layers of meaning.

Technique & Style

The work employs chiaroscuro, a technique that creates strong contrasts between light and dark, characteristic of the Northern Renaissance style. The use of gold patterns and detailed architectural elements adds to the painting's rich visual texture.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection in Vienna, indicating its significance within the history of art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Master of Heiligenkreuz

Artist

Master of Heiligenkreuz

The Master of Heiligenkreuz was an Austrian painter active at the beginning of the 15th century; a tentative lifespan of 1395 to 1430 has been put forth but this appears highly conjectural.