The Annunciation and The Nativity

Discussion

FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

These paintings are believed to be the remaining components of a six-panel altarpiece. The large central panel is now preserved in Barcelona (Museu National d’Art de Catalunya). Ferrer collaborated with the painter Pere Garcia de Benavarri on this commission. Spanish works like these often feature elaborate treatment of the gold background, evident here in the exuberant raised decoration (called pastiglia) in the skies and the haloes, as well as other details. Here the Archangel Gabriel proclaims the Virgin’s destiny as the mother of Christ. The setting is an ordinary house, but simple objects have symbolic meaning. The lilies represent the Virgin’s purity; the covered jar and water carafe symbolize inviolability; the pomegranate symbolizes Christ’s resurrection, while the apple alludes to humankind’s fall from grace. The two books, closed and open, refer respectively to the Old and New Testaments: one foretelling and the other fulfilling the promise of the messiah. Both The Annunciation and The Nativity were components of a large altarpiece probably dedicated to the Virgin. Spanish works like these often feature elaborate treatment of the gold background, evident here in the exube

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