The Annunciation

Dante Gabriel Rossetti

General Description

Date: 1855
Subject: The Virgin is bathing her feet in a small stream which reflects the image of the angel Gabriel who hovers between two trees to the right. The Holy Ghost floats above Mary's head.
Model: Elizabeth Siddal

Bibliography

◦ Marillier, DGR. An Illustrated Memorial 68-69

◦ Surtees, A Catalogue Raisonné, vol. 1, 33 (no. 69).

Scholarly Commentary

Introduction

Besides Ecce Ancilla Domini!, DGR executed at least four other Annunciation pictures: the 1852 drawing at Birmingham; the Fitzwilliam watercolour; a design for stained glass; and this striking watercolour.

Production History

The picture was executed in 1855 for George Boyce. According to Boyce's diary, DGR borrowed it back on 27 December 1858 to make some changes. According to DGR, it was sold initially to the picture dealer W. W. Pearce, and (presumably) went thence to Boyce (see DGR's letter to Allingham, 11 May 1855, Surtees, Correspondence, 55. 24 .

Electronic Archive Edition: 1
Source File: s69.raw.xml