17th-Century Austrian School, The Annunciation

17th-Century Austrian School, The AnnunciationA beautiful 17th century oil on canvas depicting the annunciation of the Virgin Mary. This biblical story refers to the moment that Mary is told by the angel Gabriel that she is to become the mother of Jesus Christ. Luke 1: 2638 How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 39” x 47” / 100cm x 120cmYear of creation: c

Perhaps he was also naked… Food for thought

It’s an extraordinary piece that gives you a little more every time you look at it

van der Helst lived above his means - despite being continually popular

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Artist’s auction highlight: £179

Note how the face is considerably more detailed than the rest

The figure has been keenly observed with careful attention to the musculature

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on boardOverall size: 18” x 14½” / 45cm x 37cmYear of creation: c

1900Condition: Frame with some age-related wear including losses to the surface

signed/dated

Edvard Lehmann (1815-1892)