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Not currently on display at the V&A

The Annunciation

Fragment of a Panel
ca. 1400-1430 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The top half of this panel, showing the angel flying down, is missing. The Virgin is now shown kneeling and turning to face the angel. The pose is intended to show her rising from the lectern.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Annunciation (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved, painted and gilt alabaster
Brief description
Alabaster panel (fragment) depicting the Annunciation. English, ca. 1400-30.
Physical description
This fragment is the lower part of a panel. The Virgin, wearing a belted gown, kneels at a desk on the right-hand side of the panel with an open book resting on it. She turns at the waist, hands raised (missing), to face the archangel Gabriel (missing). A ewer bearing a three-headed lily stands on the left of the panel. The end of a scroll which doubtless bore the angel's salutation, hangs in the middle of the panel.

The whole of the top half of the panel is missing. Some green paint on the ground and the usual daisy pattern survive. There are the remains of gesso knobs on the background. Green paint on the lily stem and gilding on the figure and on the ewer appear to be modern. The back of the panel bears a lead-plugged hole with a trace of the latten wire. The bottom has been cut away.
Dimensions
  • Height: 27.3cm
  • Width: 29.9cm
From Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters, 1984.
Style
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Object history
Formerly in the collection of Robert Hillingford. In the possession of P. Nelson from whom it was on loan since 1924. Acquired by Dr W.L. Hildburgh from whom it continued to be on loan until 1926. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.
Subjects depicted
Summary
The top half of this panel, showing the angel flying down, is missing. The Virgin is now shown kneeling and turning to face the angel. The pose is intended to show her rising from the lectern.
Bibliographic references
  • Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 168 (cat. 95), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
  • English Medieval Alabaster Carvings : York Festival Exhibition. York : City of York Art Gallery, 1954 no.2
Collection
Accession number
A.85-1946

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Record createdNovember 18, 2002
Record URL
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