Tomb Reliefs with Annunciation and Christ Enthroned

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Tomb Reliefs with Annunciation and Christ Enthroned

Place of OriginVenice, Italy

Dateabout 1350

DimensionsA: 25 3/4 × 8 1/2 in. (65.4 × 21.6 cm)
B: 26 1/4 × 15 1/8 in. (66.7 × 38.4 cm)
C: 25 3/4 × 8 1/2 in. (65.4 × 21.6 cm)

Mediummarble

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1975.72A-C

Not on View

DescriptionLeft: Virgin Annunciate; Center: Christ Enthroned; Right: Angel of Annunciation

Label TextIn medieval European Christian society, elaborate funerary sculpture not only commemorated the dead, but also demonstrated their status and power. These beautifully carved tomb reliefs would have originally been installed in a Venetian sarcophagus (coffin) inside a church, with undecorated marble slabs separating each relief. The two panels flanking the center image represent the Annunciation, the moment when the Archangel Gabriel (on the right) announces to the Virgin Mary that she will be the mother of Christ. Separating this scene, Christ sits enthroned in the center, blessing those who come to honor the dead and pray before the monument. Instead of being commissioned for a specific individual, in the 14th century, tomb sculptures like these were mass-produced and sold on demand. Nevertheless, the carving of this Annunciation group and enthroned Christ is particularly sensitive. It is likely that the sculpture was originally partially painted, with gold on the halo and red or blue trim lining the garments. If originally part of a grand, elaborate monument, an effigy (portrait) of the deceased would have been included above the sculpture.Published ReferencesPutney, Richard H., Medieval Art, Medieval People: The Cloister Gallery of the Toledo Museum of Art, The Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, 2002, p. 30, repr. (b/w) fig. 19.

Gillerman, Dorothy, ed., Gothic Sculpture in America, II: the Museums of the Midwest, Turnhout, Brepols, 2001, p. 392-393, no. 276, repr. p. 393.