The Angel of the Annunciation
c. 1615-1618
Medium
Engraving on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Plate: 28.4 × 19.1 cm (11 3/16 × 7 9/16 in.); sheet: 37.3 × 24.6 cm (14 11/16 × 9 11/16 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
268052
Art Historical Context
In the hallowed tradition of Christian iconography, *The Angel of the Annunciation* by Dutch engraver Willem van de Passe captures the divine moment when the angel Gabriel heralds the Virgin Mary's impending role as the mother of Christ. Created around 1615–1618, this exquisite print reflects the Northern Mannerist style of the van de Passe family, renowned for their intricate reproductive engravings that popularized religious narratives across Europe during the Dutch Golden Age. as an engraving on luxurious ivory laid paper—a high-quality medium prized for its smooth texture and subtle shee...