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Plaque with the Annunciation
(Baroque Europe )
The style of the composition suggests that this plaque, like its companion, "Plaque with the Resurrection of Christ" (Walters 44.345), is based on an engraving after a design by the Flemish painter Martin de Vos (1532-1603); however, a specific model has not been identified. The Latin inscription translates, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Jean Limosin signed this finely worked piece and dated it 1605. His effort to balance the definition of space with the decorative qualities of the enamel can be contrasted to the frankly decorative approach of Suzanne de Court's treatment of the same composition to the right. His handling of the translucent enamel is not as subtle. The frames on the companion plaques are original and indicate that they were hung as independent works of art.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Formerly in a château near Montauban, France; Henri Daguerre, Paris [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1928, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
France, Limoges (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 13 3/16 × W: 9 5/8 in. (33.5 × 24.5 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters, 1928
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
44.346