+ Jan van Eyck (about ) Serena B., Amiela Nicole D.

+ Characteristics Signs and dates his pictures, which was unusual at the time Writes words or phrases on his art Has a good sense of visual texture; each surface looks like a different texture Can portray direct and diffused light, as well as shadows associated with it (known as pictorial illusionism) All of his painted subjects are in a three-quarter pose, facing slightly away from the viewer

+ The Annunciation, Oil on wood, transferred to canvas The angel Gabriel tells the Virgin Mary that she’ll conceive Christ Words are written on the piece; Gabriel says “Hail Mary, full of grace”. Mary’s response– behold the handmaiden of the Lord”– is upside down so God can see her response Most depictions of the annunciation occur in the Virgin Mary’s home, with both Gabriel and Mary being far apart; here, they are in an elaborate church and are much closer The close proximity gives a sense of intimacy and privacy

+ The Annunciation, Oil on wood, transferred to canvas Symbolism in the Upper Story: The Romanesque architecture in the form of round- arched windows, passes into the more newer Early Gothic architecture below to further the point of transitioning from the Old to New Testament The upper story of the building is dark with a single stain glass window depicting God represents the Old Testament

+ The Annunciation, Oil on wood, transferred to canvas Symbolism in the Lower Story: Is brighter in comparison since it’s lit up by the “Light of the World” The three windows represent the Trinity, and may refer to the coming of the New Testament The floor tiles depict Old Testament events such as David beheading Goliath, as well as the Philistine temple being destroyed, which may be an allegory to what Jesus would do later on

+ The Annunciation, Oil on wood, transferred to canvas Symbolism in the Foreground: The lilies near the Virgin Mary represents her innocence and purity Lilies are also on Gabriel’s robes; this represents Mary The dove of the Holy Spirit descends on rays of light; one ray of light reaches the Virgin Mary’s head, signifying that she now conceives the son of God

+ Bibliography Brommer, Gerald. Discovering Art History. Worcester: Davis Publications, Inc, Print. Cork, Richard. “Old Subject, New Approach”. The Wall Street Journal March 22, Web. “Jan van Eyck: Flemish Painter”. Visual Arts Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr Jones, Susan. “Jan van Eyck (ca ” Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Web. 9 Apr Klip, Ronald. “Jan van Eyck: The Annunciation (Washington)” Art and the Bible. Art and the Bible Web. 14 Apr “The Annunciation”. National Gallery of Art. National Gallery of Art, n.d. Web. 9 Apr