Textile: Epimanikia with Annunciation
Item
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Work Number
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580265
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Title
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Textile: Epimanikia with Annunciation
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Description
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Embroidery, 2 pieces
Images 1 & 2: When viewed together, these two textiles tell the story of the Annunciation: when the Angel Gabriel came to the Virgin Mary to announce that she will bear the son of God (Luke 1:26-38). The Angel Gabriel stands in the center of the textile. His legs, though covered by his garments, seem to be pointed to proper left as if he were moving in that direction. In his proper left hand he holds a plant. It is difficult to determine what kind of plant this is, however, one of the most frequent iconographic occurrences are lilies. His body is outlined in gold thread which has also been worked into the garments. In each quadrant of the rectangular frame were in-laid gems with an 'X' or cross shape radiating out from the stone. Only one remains. In the open-work rectangular space surrounding Gabriel is a scrolling vine and leaf motif.
Images 3 & 4: In a nearly identical setting, the Virgin Mary stands, leaning slightly backwards and facing proper right. She is composed of gold and a powder blue thread. All of the in-laid gems seem to be preserved.
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Medium
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Textile
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Provenance
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Gallery, case 8
