Panel, alabaster, The Annunciation, England, late 14th century.

The panel has chamfered edges creating a frame round the scene. The haloed, bare-headed figure of the Virgin Mary, wearing a gown and a cloak, sits on a bench on the right-hand side of the panel, holding an open book on her lap with her left hand. She looks up at the archangel Gabriel, her right hand raised in acknowledgement of his salutation. The winged and curly-haired figure of the angel, wearing a robe draped from his right, stands on a ledge in the top corner of the panel. He leans forward, bending at the knee, pointing at Mary with his right hand. A scroll held in his left hand rises to the top of the panel and curves down behind her head. It carries traces of an inscription, no doubt the salutation, 'Ave Maria gratia plena.' A vase with a three-headed lily stands in the bottom left-hand corner.

There are numerous breaks in the panel, including one separating the angel from the Virgin, one which runs obliquely down from that across the Virgin's neck and one which runs round the lily flower. The bottom of the angel's right wing is missing. The bottom right-hand corner of the panel is chipped.

Slight traces of green paint remain on the ground at the bottom of the panel. Slight traces of colour, red and gilding, remain on the figures. There are traces of blue beneath the scroll. Most unusually, the back of the panel bears no holes for the characteristic lead-plugged latten wires. There are no marks.

Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA

Acquired by Dr W. L. Hildburgh in Paris. On loan from him since 1927. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.

Historical significance: This panel, from its design and style, appears to be the earliest recorded Annunciation panel to survive.

This is one of the earliest panels to survive showing the Virgin, bare-headed, and the angel standing on a ledge holding a scroll. The lily is a symbol of the Virgin's purity.

This alabaster panel has chamfered edges creating a frame round the scene. The haloed, bare-headed figure of the Virgin Mary, wearing a gown and cloak, sits on a bench on the right-hand side of the panel, holding an open book on her lap with her left hand. She looks up at the archangel Gabriel with her right hand raised in acknowledgement of his salutation.

A.146-1946