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Panel Depicting Annunciation of Virgin

A work made of linen, knotted square netting; embroidered in cloth and darning stitches; edged with plain weave.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

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  • A work made of linen, knotted square netting; embroidered in cloth and darning stitches; edged with plain weave.

Date:

1667

Artist:

Catarina Bremselin
Germany or Switzerland

About this artwork

The scene portrays the visit of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce to her that she woulbe be the mother of God. The piece is unusual in that the piece is in fine condition and is unaltered and still retains its original borders. The very detailed design motif with architectural elements of the canopy and prie dieu are typical of the period. The centrally placed lily in a vase between the Virgin and the announcing angel represents purity; because of its depiction in many Annumciation scenes, the lily has become the flower of the Virgin and an attribute of the Archangel Gabriel. Mary appears to have been interrupted in prayer by the angel, carrying the scepter as herald of God. The dove at the upper right, is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The panel is worked in a technique generally known as lacis, utilizing a ground of square netting which is subsequently embroidered with cloth and/or darning stitches. Lacis, or netting, is the oldest of the techniques of lace making, evolving from fishing nets and animal snares. Intended for ecclesiastical use, such as for alter frontals, funeral palls, hangings, and a variety of other liturical linens, were ornamented with sacred emblems or symbolic figures. This panel may have been a section from a much-larger alter frontal or hanging, or it may have been a separate picture. It is an excellent example of lacis work.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Textiles

Artist

Catarina Bremselin

Title

Panel Depicting Annunciation of Virgin

Place

Germany (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Made 1667

Medium

Linen, knotted square netting; embroidered in cloth and darning stitches; edged with plain weave

Dimensions

91.5 × 90.2 cm (36 × 35 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Grace R. Smith Textile Endowment

Reference Number

1997.181

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

Learn more.

https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/148996/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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