Annunciation of the Virgin tableau

North France (?), 1270–1290

Hammered, engraved copper, hallmarked, gilt.

16 x 12.3 cm

UMP 3045

This flat shallow-relief tableau presenting a hammered and engraved scene of the Annunciation, with the figures of the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary standing opposite each other in two fields framed by pointed Gothic arcades and tracery, was probably originally adorned with stones. The archangel is on the left with the inscription AVE MARIA G, his right hand extended upwards to a dove swooping towards the Virgin Mary; she is standing before a stone throne, dressed in a long shroud with a clasp on her chest and holding a book in her left hand. Above in the spandrels are monsters with long necks; in the centre, an angel is flying down, carrying a paper. (jme)