Schongauer Annunciation angel CC1184 Orlier altar Postcard

Postcard inspired by Martin Schongauer's beautiful and festive Annunciation angel, painted on one of the outer wings of the Orlier altarpiece, ca 1470-75. The artist was deeply influenced by the growing cult of the Virgin Mary, so the Annunciation was one of his favourite subjects. There is a delicacy to the details of the picture, similar to that found found in the artist’s most famous work, the Madonna of the Rose Bower. The painting shows the angel Gabriel holding a banner with the Annunciation words (Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum), the wings of the angel appear to be made of peacock feathers. The scene takes place before a cloth of honour, red with intricate golden details.