Verkondiging aan Maria 1705 - 1754

Jacob de Wit made this delicate pen and wash drawing, titled "The Annunciation to Mary," sometime between 1710 and 1754. It depicts the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she will conceive and bear a son, Jesus. De Wit was a key figure in the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by the flourishing of art and culture in the Netherlands. During this time, the Dutch Republic saw significant economic growth and social change, accompanied by the rise of a powerful merchant class that heavily influenced the art world. De Wit catered to this new market, producing decorative paintings for private homes and public buildings, often with religious or mythological themes, blending traditional artistic styles with the tastes of the new Dutch elite. By studying the social context in which De Wit created, we can better understand how the art market shaped his subject matter and style. Through archival research and comparative analysis, we uncover the complex relationship between artistic production and social structures.