Annunciatie c. 1612 - 1616

Theodoor Galle created this engraving, Annunciation, sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Galle, living in Antwerp, was deeply influenced by the religious and political tensions of his time, as the region was in the throes of the Counter-Reformation. Here we see the angel Gabriel delivering news to Mary, a moment heavy with both divine will and profound personal consequence. Consider the space Mary occupies – she is indoors, caught in a moment of domesticity, yet she is about to be thrust into a role of immense historical importance. How does one reconcile the everyday with the extraordinary? The engraving doesn't shy away from this tension, showing Mary with a mix of serenity and contemplation. Galle's work invites us to consider the narratives we inherit and the complex realities of those whose stories are often simplified. It encourages us to reflect on how women navigate destiny, faith, and societal expectations.