The Annunciation

Unknown

ca. 1330–40 · Silk, cotton, and metallic threads · The Cloisters

To create these panels, a Florentine artist first drew the figures on the cotton canvases and then gave them to an embroiderer, who enriched them with brilliantly colored silks, gold threads and variety of stitches. The scenes have great narrative charm-note especially the housemaid of the Virgin who quietly witnesses the angel's visit, and the baby Jesus who tries to retreat to his mother's arms during the Holy Family's visit to the Temple. The panels are part of a larger ensemble that once decorated an altar. Florentine embroideries rarely survive, though they were once prized throughout Europe. Please note that this textile is exhibited on a rotating basis due to conservation requirements.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1330–40

Medium

Silk, cotton, and metallic threads

Culture

Italian

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1960