Zacharias and the Angel of the Lord c. 1576 - 1580

"Zacharias and the Angel of the Lord" is a 16th-century engraving by Léonard Gaultier depicting a scene from the Bible, the annunciation of John the Baptist's birth to his father, Zacharias. The work depicts Zacharias kneeling in prayer while an angel announces the birth of John to him, a scene that takes place in the Temple of Jerusalem. Gaultier’s detailed rendering of the architectural setting, along with the solemn expressions of the figures, creates a visually striking and emotionally charged composition. The scene depicts the moment where an angel appears to Zacharias, who is serving as a priest in the temple, and informs him that he will have a son. This artwork showcases the mastery of Gaultier, a French engraver active in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His work is notable for its delicate lines, its detailed rendering of figures, and its skillful use of light and shadow. The intricate details and expressive figures in "Zacharias and the Angel of the Lord" give a glimpse into the artistic prowess of the artist and his interpretation of a pivotal biblical story.