The Annunciation 1575 - 1616

Jacques Bellange created this print, “The Annunciation,” sometime in the early 17th century. The composition, rendered in sharp, deliberate lines, plunges us into a dramatic encounter between the Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary. A visual tension emerges through the contrast of light and shadow, highlighting the ethereal quality of the divine announcement. Bellange masterfully employs line to define form and space, creating a dynamic, almost theatrical scene. The angel’s robes swirl with energy, while Mary’s pose reflects a mix of surprise and reverence. The architecture is sparse, almost skeletal, adding to the dreamlike quality, destabilizing our sense of depth and perspective. Note how Bellange uses the texture of the engraving to convey a sense of movement and emotion, challenging the static nature of the print medium. This interplay of light, line, and texture invites us to consider not just the narrative, but the very structure of belief and representation. The meaning isn't fixed, but a conversation between the viewer and the work itself.