The Annunciation 1595 - 1652

Hendrick Goltzius's "The Annunciation" (1595-1652) is a masterful engraving that captures the biblical moment when the Angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God. The scene, set in a domestic interior, showcases Goltzius's mastery of detail and composition, with both the angel and Mary kneeling in a dramatic pose, their eyes locked in a moment of divine revelation. The use of light and shadow emphasizes the solemnity of the event, while the intricate details of the room, including a dove descending from the heavens, create a sense of realism and intimacy. This iconic print, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies Goltzius's innovative approach to religious themes and his virtuosity as an engraver.