Angel of the Annunciation 1370 - 1390

Jean de Liège carved this Angel of the Annunciation from stone in the late 14th century, capturing a pivotal moment from the Christian tradition. The angel holds a scroll, the written word, symbolizing divine communication, but it is her gesture that truly captivates. Consider the angel’s raised hand, a gesture found across cultures and epochs. From ancient Roman orators to Byzantine mosaics, this hand signals not just speech, but divine pronouncements, bearing witness to a profound connection between the earthly and the celestial. In the Renaissance, we see it echoed in countless depictions of saints and prophets, each variation subtly influenced by classical and Christian ideals. This act of pointing towards the heavens speaks to our collective unconscious, where gestures become potent carriers of meaning, transcending time and space. It triggers a deep-seated psychological response, a recognition of the power of communication that engages us. Observe how this symbol, in its many forms, continues to resonate, bearing witness to the cyclical and enduring nature of human expression.