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An Attic Advent: Day 1

To celebrate the run-up to Christmas I, aided and abetted by researcher extraordinaire Ms Ceri Jones, will post an image of a Christmas-related museum object - both religious and non-secular- everyday until Christmas. Enjoy!


Ecce Ancilla Domini! (The Annunciation) 1849-50
Dante Gabriel Rossetti 1828-1882
Tate Collection

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Ceri said…
Thank you Amy for posting my favourite picture as based on a religious theme. As we discussed yesterday I find it interesting that Rossetti has decided to portray what is usually felt to be a celebratory event (Mary becoming pregnant with God's child) in a claustrophobic and cautious manner. Poor Mary looks terrified but then so would I if an angel appearred in my bedroom and his feet are on fire! The model Rossetti used was his sister Christina for Mary, not sure about the angel. Christina Rossetti of course is famous for writing some marvellous poetry including 'Goblin Market', 'Remember' and, on a Christmas theme, the carol 'In the Bleak Midwinter.'
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 12:48:00 pm
Dr J said…
Ceri, if you think this Annunciation has a scared Mary, wait until you see this:
http://cartelen.louvre.fr/cartelen/visite?srv=obj_view_obj&objet=cartel_13662_22721_p0003523.001.jpg_obj.html&flag=true
This is probably my favourite Annunciation ever. After my friend and I saw it in the Louvre, I actually went onto the website to find an image to bookmark. (We are a couple of irreverent heathens, my friend and I - we exchange museum postcards with uncomfortable Medieval Pietas whenever we travel.)
Thursday, December 04, 2008 5:05:00 am
The Attic said…
That's amazing! I'd look as disturbed as Mary if I looked up from my studies to see a cherubic angel hurtling towards me at high speed from above. I love her 'wtf' expression (is that sacriligious?!). ;)
Thursday, December 04, 2008 8:19:00 pm
Dr J said…
Not sacrilegious at all! My friend and I refer to this painting as "Incoming! Archangel." My favourite part is the distended halo, it's like a comic book indicator of speed.
Friday, December 05, 2008 3:11:00 am
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