The Annunciation
1480
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1480
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows an angel and a robed figure in a dimly lit room. The angel holds a staff and stands on a ledge, pointing upward where light bursts through a window. The robed figure kneels, hands clasped, with a halo around their head. Below them, a small dog sits quietly in the corner. Notice how the artist used fine lines to create shadows and depth—this is called cross-hatching. The details in the fabric and feathers look almost three-dimensional. Want to see more like this? Check out the technique: engraving.
