The Mérode Altarpiece - The Annunciation 1428

Robert Campin painted this Annunciation scene in the early 15th century, using oil paint on panel. Look closely, and you’ll see that Campin was interested in imbuing the holy scene with everyday life. Take, for example, the textures he created. The sheen on the brass pot hanging by the window, achieved through subtle gradations of color, or the white highlights and shadows on the angel’s robe, lending it a tactile quality. Then there’s the wood grain on the table and window frame. The way he renders each of these materials points to the social and cultural significance of skilled trades in Campin's time. Paintings like these were often commissioned by merchants, reflecting a society where craft and commerce were intertwined. By grounding this sacred scene in a domestic interior, filled with meticulously rendered objects, Campin elevates the status of everyday craftsmanship to a devotional level. He shows us how the divine can be found in the material world.