DISCOVERART

Peter Rubens

The Incarnation as Fulfillment of All the Prophecies

c. 1628–1629
Oil on panel
64.5 × 47 cm (25.4 × 18.5 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

● On view now — Collection Gallery, Room 04, North Wall

Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia · verified July 2026

View at barnesfoundation.org ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

Rubens depicts the Archangel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. Behind Gabriel, a ring of cherubs encircles a dove, representing the Holy Spirit. God the Father sits high above, resting his arm on a large sphere and extending his scepter downward. In the foreground, below Mary, is a group of sybils (female prophets). The movement, dynamism, and theatrical gestures are all characteristic of Rubens's work.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Peter Rubens

The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and an AngelThe Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and an AngelKing David Playing the HarpKing David Playing the Harp

More like this

Study for "The Assumption of the Virgin" for San Augustín, SevilleJuan de Valdés Leal (Spanish, 1622–1690) — Study for "The AsThe Glorification of Saint DominicThe Glorification of Saint DominicDe Onbevlekte Ontvangenis (Joachim en Anna ontvangen de maagd Maria van God de Vader)Giovanni Battista Tiepolo — De Onbevlekte Ontvangenis (JoachAllegory of the Farewell of William III from Amalia van Solms following the transfer of Regency to the States GeneralTheodoor van Thulden — Allegory of the Farewell of William ITime Unveiling TruthPompeo Girolamo Batoni — Time Unveiling TruthSaint James's Vision of the Virgin of the PillarAntonio González Velásquez, I — Saint James's Vision of the The Coronation of the VirginPeter Paul Rubens — The Coronation of the VirginAssumption of the VirginJacob de Wet (I) — Assumption of the VirginThe Glorification of the EucharistPeter Paul Rubens — The Glorification of the EucharistSaints Presenting a Devout Woman to the Virgin and ChildGiovanni Battista Pittoni (Italian, 1687–1767) — Saints PresAllegory of the Planets and ContinentsGiovanni Battista Tiepolo — Allegory of the Planets and ContAllegory of the ArtsJacob de Wit — Allegory of the Arts