Title: The Annunciation

Artist: Dieric Bouts

Title: The Annunciation Date: About 1450–55 Artist: Dieric Bouts Artist Details: Netherlandish, about 1415–1475 Medium: Distemper (pigments in animal glue) on linen Description By setting the Incarnation, or conception of Christ, in an austere church interior, Bouts established a sanctified atmosphere appropriate to his subject. The archangel Gabriel enters from the left with a message for the Virgin Mary: "You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus." Bouts created a composition of surprising simplicity to focus attention on expressive gesture. Despite its rigorous appearance, the picture's refined architecture creatively bends the rules of perspective.