•  
  •  
 

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

symbolic significance, Jan Van Eyck, Annunciation, Gabriel's wings

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Department

Art

Abstract

Jan Van Eyck’s Annunciation is rich with religious symbolism. The iconographic program of this Northern Renaissance masterpiece delves deeply into intellectual Christian motifs, referencing the royalty of the Virgin and Christ child, offering up a varied repertoire of Old and New Testament allusions, and alluding to Christ’s role on earth. Numerous scholars have addressed Van Eyck’s iconographic presentation, paying most specific attention to elements such as the architectural structure wherein the annunciation is taking place and the representation of biblical scenes. Despite the past intense investigation of Van Eyck’s piece, no scholar has mentioned the possible symbolism associated with the Angel Gabriel’s wings. My task was to gather research that would help me explore the significance of Gabriel’s peacock wings and their relationship to the overall iconographic program of the Annunciation, specifically noting their relationship to the Virgin Mary and their contribution to Old Testament/New Testament typology.

Download

Share

COinS