The Annunciation 1595 - 1652

Hendrick Goltzius made this engraving of the Annunciation, likely sometime in the late 16th century. The scene depicts the angel Gabriel informing Mary that she will miraculously conceive and give birth to Jesus. The visual language of the print reflects the religious and social norms of the Dutch Republic. The setting is domestic, an interior, which emphasizes Mary’s humility, and there is a distinct lack of opulence. In this image, Goltzius subtly promotes reformed and humanist values, which were gaining traction at the time. To understand Goltzius' work more deeply, a historian might explore the religious climate of the Dutch Republic, examining how artists navigated the tensions between Catholic and Protestant ideologies. They might also consult period writings on theology and the role of women. By situating art within its historical context, we can understand how it both reflects and shapes cultural values.