Annunciation 1451

This “Annunciation,” was made by Stefan Lochner around 1450, with tempera, gold leaf, and ink on parchment. The image shows an incredible display of precision: the fine brushwork, the delicate application of gold leaf, and the vibrant colors, all achieved with handmade materials. This piece comes from a tradition that valued not only the image itself, but also the labor and skill required to produce it. The making of illuminated manuscripts like this one was a painstaking process, involving the preparation of parchment from animal skin, the grinding of pigments, and the careful application of paint and gold. We can appreciate the immense time and effort that went into each page. The materials, making, and context provide a deeper understanding of the artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.