A Anunciação
1452
Step right up to this 1452 masterpiece by Petrus Christus, a gem of the Northern Renaissance where the Annunciation gets a major architectural upgrade. The artist used a brilliant trompe-l'œil trick, painting a faux stone archway complete with sculpted prophets to frame the scene, making it look like we are peeking into a church where the angel Gabriel kneels before Mary. Look closely at the bottom edge for a clever signature: 'Opus Xpi me fecit' translates to 'The work of Christus made me,' a humble brag that also dates the piece. Through the back door, you can spot a glimpse of 15th-century Bruges, grounding this holy moment in the real world, while a tiny white dove zooms in to seal the deal.
- Technique
- Oil on oak panel
- Material
- Oak
Location: Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid