04 The Annunciation – Van Eyck

Jan van Eyck (Netherlandish, c. 1390 – 1441 ), The Annunciation, c. 1434/1436, oil on canvas transferred from panel, Andrew W. Mellon Collection

In this belated holiday episode, I’ll be looking at another favorite of mine, “The Annunciation,” by Jan Van Eyck. This complicated and fascinating painting illustrates the Biblical story of the Archangel Gabriel’s arrival to announce to Mary that she’s been chosen to bear the son of God.

We’ll talk about how this innovative painter wove elaborate religious imagery into this composition and the technique he used to create such gorgeous detail. We’ll also find out why a zodiac is involved, what Van Eyck did as a side gig and which Renaissance noble may have been the model for Mary. And you get to hear me mispronounce Latin!


SHOW NOTES

The Annunciation  https://www.nga.gov/Collection/art-object-page.46.html

Slow Art Day http://www.slowartday.com

“A Long Look” theme is “Ascension” by Ron Gelinas youtu.be/jGEdNSNkZoo goo.gl/daee6S

“The Annunciation” theme is “Greensleeves to a Ground” performed by Ariel Martin Bellio https://musopen.org/music/2096/anonymous/greensleeves-to-a-ground/

2 thoughts on “04 The Annunciation – Van Eyck”

  1. Fascinating and informative. You present the information with humor and insight. Truly enjoyed this pod cast!

Comments are closed.