On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
The Virgin Annunciate
Attributed to Jean Guillaumet French
Attributed to Guillaume Regnault French
The Virgin’s contemplative expression powerfully conveys her reaction to Gabriel’s startling news that she will conceive and bear the son of God. The exquisite carving of the white limestone convincingly suggests the tactile qualities of the Virgin’s heavy mantle, secured by ribbons, her tightly fitted dress, and her thick tresses, modestly tucked away. This refined treatment is typical of Jean Guillaumet, who worked in Moulins in the early sixteenth century. The Virgin shows the strong influence of Jean Hey, Moulin’s leading painter, and is an elegant sculptural counterpart to superbly painted Annunciate Virgins by Hans Memling and Gerard David in this gallery.
For more on this object, see Maryan Ainsworth’s blog post, A Sculpture for Reflection on Annunciation Day.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.