The artwork, titled “The Annunciation,” is a creation by Rogier van der Weyden and belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. The piece is categorized under the genre of a sketch and study.
In the artwork, the scene depicted is the biblical Annunciation, where the Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. Gabriel is portrayed on the left, clad in flowing white robes, holding a staff in one hand and gesturing with the other. The Virgin Mary, on the right, is kneeling, draped in a rich blue garment, and holding a book, likely symbolizing her piety and devotion. The setting of the scene features an intimate indoor space with elaborate drapery and a detailed background showcasing Northern Renaissance architectural elements. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the meticulous attention to fabrics and textures, is emblematic of van der Weyden’s technique and the Northern Renaissance style.