Van Eyck's Washington Annunciation : technical evidence for iconographic development

Author

Gifford, E. Melanie

Document type

Article (journal)

Language

English

Source

Art bulletin. 1999, Num. 1, Vol. 81, p. 108-116, 5, 12 ill. (5 col.)

ISSN

0004-3079

Abstract (en)

Technical study of Jan van Eyck's Annunciation in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, has revealed several significantly different stages in the artist's development of the composition. The initial conception, recorded in the underdrawing, set the scene in a church of uniform architecture with a decorative floor of carpet or patterned stone. Van Eyck revised his image throughout the painting process, introducing the rich decorations with the Old Testament references that characterize the final image. In an apparently late revision, van Eyck seems to have painted the majolica vase and lilies over the previously completed floor and the Virgin's mantle. [The scientific analysis included the use of photomicrographs and infrared reflectograms].

Subject (en)

• General history of art -- 1400-1800 -- Pictorial arts -- Painting and drawing -- Belgium
• Eyck, Jan van, ca.1390-1441
• Belgium
• 1400-1500
• Painting
• Mary, Virgin: Annunciation
• Annunciation
• Technique
• National Gallery of Art||Washington, DC (USA)
• Iconography
• Scientific analysis

Subject (fr)

• Histoire générale de l'art -- 1400-1800 -- Peinture et arts graphiques -- Peinture et dessin -- Belgique
• Eyck, Jan van, v.1390-1441
• Belgique
• 1400-1500
• Peinture
• Vierge: Annonciation
• Annonciation
• Technique
• National Gallery of Art||Washington, DC (USA)
• Iconographie
• Analyse scientifique

Origin

DatabaseBHA (Inist-CNRS/GRI)

Identifier19990701-00207396

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