The Annunciation and the Nativity
Relief
late 15th century (made)
late 15th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This late 15th-century French limestone relief, depicting The Annunciation and the Nativity, is made up of two parts, separated by a spiralled column. The whole is recessed within a block of stone with a moulded inner edge.
On the left hand side the relief shows the Annunciation with the Dove descending. In Christianity, the Annunciation is the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary of her conception of Christ. The Dove is a symbol for the Holy Ghost.
On the right hand side the relief shows the Nativity. In art the Nativity is the representation of the birth of Christ.
On the left hand side the relief shows the Annunciation with the Dove descending. In Christianity, the Annunciation is the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary of her conception of Christ. The Dove is a symbol for the Holy Ghost.
On the right hand side the relief shows the Nativity. In art the Nativity is the representation of the birth of Christ.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Annunciation and the Nativity (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Pinkish limestone |
| Brief description | Relief, limestone, depicting the Annunciation and the Nativity, France, end of 15th century |
| Physical description | The scenes are surmounted by triple arched canopies supported on spiral pillars with pinnacles above. To the left is the Annunciation, the Angel kneeling before the Virgin who is turning from a prayer desk; in the background a traceried window and the Dove descending. To the right the Nativity, St. Joseph and the Virgin kneeling on each side of the Child Christ; in the background the heads of the ox and the ass, and shepherds with their sheep. The whole is recessed in a block of stone with a moulded inner edge. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Given by J. H. Fitzhenry, Esq. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This late 15th-century French limestone relief, depicting The Annunciation and the Nativity, is made up of two parts, separated by a spiralled column. The whole is recessed within a block of stone with a moulded inner edge. On the left hand side the relief shows the Annunciation with the Dove descending. In Christianity, the Annunciation is the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary of her conception of Christ. The Dove is a symbol for the Holy Ghost. On the right hand side the relief shows the Nativity. In art the Nativity is the representation of the birth of Christ. |
| Bibliographic reference | List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in the Years 1905 - 1908. In: List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum, During the Year 1906, Arranged According to the Dates of Acquisition with Appendix and Indices. London: Printed for His Majesty's Stationery Office, by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, 1909, p. 152 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 904-1906 |
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| Record created | January 15, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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