The Annunciation c. 1457

"The Annunciation" by Johann Koerbecke (c. 1457) depicts the moment when the Angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God. The work, now in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Koerbecke's mastery of Northern Renaissance style. The scene is set in a richly decorated interior, with Mary kneeling in prayer, her gaze directed towards the angel, while Gabriel stands before her, extending a lily as a symbol of purity. The artist's keen attention to detail is evident in the intricately patterned textiles and the architectural elements that frame the scene. The scene is further elevated by the presence of God the Father, hovering above in a mandorla surrounded by angels. This work is a fine example of the religious fervor and technical skill that characterized early Northern European painting.