Annunciation

by Phaidon Press and The Staff of Phaidon Publications

Book Overview

'In the sixth month the Angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0714844470
• ISBN13: 9780714844473
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Phaidon Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 6.2"

Customer Reviews

A history of the Annunciation in art

This is a beauty of a book, small by comparison to so many art books, yet containing at each turn a full-page print of the angelic Annunciation to Mary that she would be the Mother of God. Each print is identified by title, artist if known, date, and location. There is no further text. I have been intrigued by art of the Annunciation and had recently heard a lecture on the subject. Some of us at that lecture wondered if there were examples of the Annunciation earlier than the 12th century. This book answers that question with very early mosaics, including one from Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome from the 5th century. Even this early, the iconography has become established: the overhead dove, representing the Holy Spirit impregnating Mary; the angel with his hand held up in salutation to Mary; and Mary's gesture of acceptance. There are perhaps 50 examples through the ages, in chronological order, but surprising are some of the modern ones, such as that by Andy Warhol--who uses in his own way, the usual iconograph to portray this subject. My copy was stamped "not in mint condition" which was a surprise, especially as it seemed mint enough to me. But as a gift, that was a downside. For the reasonable price of this Phaedon book, this is a real gem. Rosemary Lunardini

Hail Mary

This is a lovely little book of pictures of paintings and frescos of The Annunciation. The quality of the prints is good. It makes a nice little gift for someone who is interested in this subject. I gave it to a friend of mine who gave a tour at an art museum on What Child is This? during the Christmas season. She loved the book as did I so I bought another for myself.

A treasure to all those who love great art .

This entire of collection of four books (Annunciation, Last Supper, Crucifixion, Descent) will be a treasure to all those who love great art and especially those attracted to religious art. Each book is beautifully bound in its own brilliant metallic color: gold, silver, bronze and copper. The unique size and color of the books make this set aesthetically pleasing. It is a wonderful collection to display on any shelf. The prints, more than 100 in each book, are of superb quality. Phaidon, the publisher, is recognized for excellence and elegance in all their printing. There is scant text; each book has a New Testament scriptural preface, then a brief caption accompanies each image.As the titles project, a central event in Christ's life is elucidated by the world's best artistic masters; each brings their own commentary to the selected Christological theme. Most enjoyable, and educational, is the progression through time, starting with early art pieces and finishing with contemporary masters: Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Craigie Aitchison to mention just a few. From beginning to end, each book is a wonderful journey through time. In "Annunciation," a book more about Mary than her son, each artist strives to capture this phenomenal encounter; a meeting unlike any other recorded in history. The Apostle Luke wrote; "the Angel Gabriel was sent from God... and he came to her and said..." Each photo plate vividly shows through form, color and light this astonishing angelic address. The progression of art shows how Mary's image has changed over the last two millenniums. This is a wonderful book, in a fantastic collection, at a very reasonable price. Highly recommended