Annunciatie 1670 - 1691

Nicolas Laigniel created this ‘Annunciatie,’ a black and white engraving, in the late 17th or early 18th century. Immediately striking is its theatrical composition, an almost operatic arrangement of figures and light. The scene is structured vertically, with a descending ray of divine light acting as a visual spine. We observe Mary in the lower section, her figure solid, anchored to the earthly realm. In contrast, the upper section presents the Angel Gabriel amidst fluffy clouds, almost weightless. This division serves to not only distinguish but also to hierarchize the divine and the mortal. The texture is rich, achieved through densely layered lines that create a chiaroscuro effect, enhancing the drama of the scene. This formal arrangement can be interpreted through the lens of semiotics, where the visual elements act as signs pointing to the larger narrative of divine annunciation. The light, the angel, and even Mary's posture, all operate as signifiers within a well-established cultural code. Consider the tension created by the interplay of light and shadow, a dialogue that continues to evolve with each viewing.