The Annunciation

Gabriel announces Christ's birth to Mary. Their words appear in gold, with her reply reversed for reading from above. The dove and lilies explain the encounter's religious meaning. Van Eyck joins precise architecture and lighting with signs that required knowledge of sacred history.

An angel with bright wings stands at the left. Rich clothing and colored feathers distinguish the messenger from Mary's more restrained appearance.

Mary raises her hands beside an open book. The gesture conveys her response to the announcement interrupting her reading.

White lilies stand below. In the iconography of the Annunciation, they signify the Virgin's purity.

High windows punctuate the church walls. Light connects architectural depth with the foreground figures.

Gold words pass between the figures. Mary's reply is reversed as though read from above, making the spoken exchange visible within the painting.

Van Eyck served Philip the Good of Burgundy and also undertook diplomatic tasks. His patrons included courtiers, clergy, and merchants. Precise oil painting let him bring costly fabrics, stone, light, and tiny inscriptions together in one image.