The Annunciation

The Annunciation, created after a design by an artist in the circle of Andrea Mantegna (Italian, 1431–1506), is a monumental textile dating from the period 1484-1519. This extraordinarily sophisticated work was realized in Italy using wool, silk, and gilt- and silvered-metal-strip-wrapped silk. The meticulous technique, involving slit, dovetailed, and interlocking tapestry weave, allowed for detailed rendering that mimicked the precision of fine Renaissance drawing or painting. The inclusion of costly metal threads signifies the immense value of the piece and points toward significant aristocratic or ecclesiastical patronage.

Although not a direct design by the renowned master, the composition reflects the classical gravitas, architectural setting, and rigorous linear perspective characteristic of Mantegna’s influential style. The scene depicts the sacred moment of the Annunciation, where the Archangel Gabriel appears before the Virgin Mary. This was a central subject for devotional and decorative works in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The quality of the tapestry suggests that the workshops executing these complex commissions maintained close ties to influential design circles, ensuring the circulation of the most up-to-date visual aesthetics.

This impressive textile demonstrates the complex relationship between painting, drawing, and applied arts in Renaissance Italy. The scale and craftsmanship mark it as an important survival from the early Cinquecento. Currently, the artwork resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a key example of historical Italian textiles. High-quality imagery of the work, often used for fine art prints, is sometimes made available through public domain initiatives for scholarly study.