Artwork
The Annunciation
The Annunciation is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Adriaan de Weerdt. It dates from 1573 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Adriaan de Weerdt’s 1573 engraving titled The Annunciation presents a compact, narrative scene in which the Archangel Gabriel appears before the Virgin Mary. Rendered in black-and-white line work, the image captures the moment of divine announcement with a restrained composition that emphasizes the figures’ interaction rather than elaborate background detail.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the biblical episode in which Gabriel delivers the news of Mary’s forthcoming conception of Jesus. Mary’s startled expression conveys the surprise and humility traditionally associated with the event, while the angel’s poised gesture underscores the solemnity of the divine message, reflecting the work’s devotional purpose.
Technique & Style
Executed as an engraving, the piece relies on incised lines to model forms and suggest texture. De Weerdt employs cross‑hatching and varying line density to create tonal contrasts, a method characteristic of his printmaking practice. The overall style is straightforward, avoiding excessive ornamentation in favor of clear, legible storytelling.
History & Provenance
Created in the late sixteenth century, the engraving belongs to a period when religious prints circulated widely for personal devotion and instruction. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is documented among de Weerdt’s surviving prints and has been referenced in catalogues of Netherlandish engraving from the era.
Artist & collection
