# The Annunciation [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [EYCK, Jan van]() - Date: 1401-1450 - Technique: Oil, transferred from wood to canvas, 93 x 37 cm ## Commentary The Annunciation c. 1435 Oil, transferred from wood to canvas, 93 x 37 cm National Gallery of Art, Washington This Flemish master revolutionized European art by perfecting the technique of oil painting. His meticulous detail, jewel-like transparent colour, and subtle tonal gradations have never been surpassed. Full of symbolism, elements in this late Gothic church interior symbolize the virginity of Mary, in the white lilies; the transmission of the Holy Spirit, in the white dove; and the relation between the Old and New Testaments, in the use of pavement stones with Old Testament scenes which prefigure the coming of Christ, such as David killing Goliath and Samson destroying the Philistine temple. \*\*\* Keywords: \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Author: EYCK, Jan van Title: The Annunciation Time-line: 1401-1450 School: Flemish Form: painting Type: religious ## Related artworks - [Annunciation]() - [Annunciation]() - [Crucifixion]() - [Diptych]() - [Last Judgment]() - [Madonna and Child at the Fountain]() - [Madonna in the Church \(detail\)]() - [Madonna in the Church]() - [Madonna with the Child Reading]() - [Man in a Turban \(detail\)]() - [Man in a Turban]() - [Portrait of a Goldsmith \(Man with Ring\)]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()