The Annunciation 1548

"The Annunciation" (1548) is an engraving by German artist Augustin Hirschvogel (1503-1553). The artwork depicts the Angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God. The scene is set in an interior, likely Mary’s bedroom, with a four-poster bed adorned with a canopy. The Angel Gabriel extends his hand towards Mary, holding a lily. Mary stands before the bed, her hands clasped, her face expressing both surprise and reverence. Above, God the Father appears in the clouds, reaching out to the Angel. This print is a fine example of Hirschvogel’s mastery of perspective and detail, which he often used in his architectural engravings. The print illustrates a significant moment in Christian history, showcasing the beauty and devotion of the Annunciation.