Raccolta di opere scelte: The Annunciation
Venice, published 1786
Etching and engraving
Title page and 59 engravings after mainly Venetian paintings published by Teodoro Viero, Venice, 1786.
The majority of the plates are by Le Febvre, S. Maniago, A. Zucchi and P. Monaco. This print is credited in the lettering beneath to JG Seuter (aka Saiter) – via an intermediary drawing by Le Febre.
The image depicts the miraculous conception of Christ known as the Annunciation of the Virgin. Kneeling on the ground, the Virgin (the mother of Christ) is surprised by the supernatural apparition of an angel. The winged angel Gabriel delivers the news of Mary’s miraculous pregnancy with Christ. Clouds of dust gather around Gabriel’s feet to emphasise his rapid flight from heaven. Note the small details of the partridge and a wicker sewing basket beside the Virgin. Birds, plants, and sewing instruments were used by painters to symbolise the Virgin’s purity. The engraving is based upon a Venetian painting of The Annunciation by the Renaissance master Titian.
Purchased 1956 (No. 56.10/15)