Virgin of the Annunciation 1275 - 1300

This is an oak sculpture of the Virgin of the Annunciation, made by an anonymous artist. The sculpture likely served a public role within a church, where it would have been positioned with an angel in a visual representation of the Annunciation. During the medieval period, the church was a central social institution. Art functioned as a tool for religious instruction. The artist's use of oak, a common material, reflects the period's artistic conventions and the ready availability of resources. The drapery around Mary signifies her purity. The book she holds alludes to her knowledge of scripture and willingness to accept God's will. Mary’s downcast gaze invites contemplation. Without knowing the specific location where the sculpture was housed it is difficult to ascertain how it would have been interpreted. Historical research into the traditions and beliefs of the region where it was originally housed might reveal unique insights into the intentions and influences that shaped this sculpture.