UNKNOWN ICON PAINTER, Cretan
(2nd half of 15th century)

The Annunciation

1450-1500
Egg tempera on wood, 31 x 26 cm
Ikonen-Museum, Recklinghausen

The basic formula of this subject's representation underwent little variation in the art of the Eastern Church. It is based on the Gospel of Luke (1:26-38) and the apocryphal Gospel of James (chapter 11) and shows the dialogue between the approaching Archangel Gabriel and Mary, who is either standing or sitting.