The Annunciation Possibly 1503 - 1511

Albrecht Durer made this engraving, "The Annunciation," sometime around 1503. In this print, we see the angel Gabriel interrupting Mary's private devotions to tell her she will bear the son of God. The setting reflects a contemporary domestic interior in Northern Europe, but also speaks to the traditions of religious art in 16th century Europe. Consider how the precise lines and intricate details contribute to a sense of realism, typical of the Northern Renaissance. Durer, working in Germany, masterfully employs engraving to depict textures and spatial depth. This print reflects the religious and social context of the time, as the story of the Annunciation was central to Christian theology. Historical sources, theological texts, and studies of Durer's other works can help us better understand the complex meanings embedded in this print. By examining the social and institutional contexts, we recognize that the meaning of art is always contingent on the cultural and historical forces that shaped its creation and reception.