An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The AnnunciationHans Memling
Netherlandish, Seligenstadt, active by 1465–died 1494 Bruges
ca. 1465–70
73 1/4 x 45 1/4 in. (186.1 x 114.9 cm)
Painting
Oil on wood
European Paintings
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
In Hans Memling's "The Annunciation," a serene moment unfolds within a richly detailed setting. The angel Gabriel, adorned in elaborate golden robes, stands gracefully to the left, his delicate wings unfurled as he delivers a sacred message. His expression is calm yet purposeful, conveying the importance of the moment.
To the right, the Virgin Mary is depicted in deep contemplation. Dressed in a striking blue robe with a red over-tunic, she gazes down thoughtfully, reflecting her role in this divine announcement. The simplicity of her demeanor contrasts with the ornate surroundings, emphasizing her humble acceptance.
The background reveals a peaceful landscape, hinting at a world beyond, where tranquility reigns. A book lies open on the table before Mary, representing knowledge and faith. The delicate lilies at her feet symbolize purity, enhancing the deeper meanings of the scene.
Memling's use of light and shadow draws the viewer's eye to both figures, highlighting their significance in this moment of revelation. The harmony and balance in the composition evoke a sense of divine peace, inviting us to ponder the beauty of faith and acceptance.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
The best place to view The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.