The Annunciation

Augustin Hirschvogel

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an angelic encounter in an ornately detailed setting. The scene depicts an angel with large, feathered wings, gesturing towards a woman who stands beside a richly designed lectern or pulpit-like structure. The setting suggests an indoor space, possibly a significant religious or historical moment, with a visible roof and beams, and elaborate drapery that frames a smaller room or alcove. Above the scene, there is an ethereal or heavenly figure with a scroll, amidst clouds, observing the interaction below. An inscription in German is present below the image.