The Angel Gabriel From The Annunciation

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This angel would have formed part of an Annunciation scene (the figure of the Virgin is now lost). The right hand raised in a gesture of speech and the forefinger pointing upwards suggest a reference to God the Father, or the presence of the Holy Spirit. The angel probably once held a scroll in his left hand, which would have been painted with a text. Stylistically this sculpture looks back to an earlier tradition of sweetly smiling figures, which developed in the 13th century and influenced by sculptures at Reims Cathedral. The unusual iconography with the angel approaching from the right is found in illuminated manuscripts dating from after 1415. The style of the carving and iconographical evidence illustrated by painted Annunciations suggests a date between 1415 and 1450.   Gallery location:Medieval & Renaissance, Room 50b, The Paul and Jill Ruddock Gallery, case 2 []   This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London