The Bible in Pictures

Van Eyck sets the scene in a church. The angel's greeting is written in gold in the air, and Mary's answer is written upside down, to be read from above.

The panel was probably the left wing of a triptych. The church is older at the top than at the bottom: round arches above, pointed ones below, as if the building itself passed from the old covenant to the new. Mary is far too large for it, and that is intended.

The angel says: Ave gratia plena. Mary answers: Ecce ancilla Domini, behold the handmaid of the Lord. Her words are written upside down and backwards, towards heaven.

The angel says: Ave gratia plena. Mary answers: Ecce ancilla Domini, behold the handmaid of the Lord. Her words are written upside down and backwards, towards heaven.

Seven rays fall from the upper window, and the dove comes down on them.

Seven rays fall from the upper window, and the dove comes down on them.

The floor tiles show scenes from the Old Testament, among them David killing Goliath and Samson pulling down the temple.

The floor tiles show scenes from the Old Testament, among them David killing Goliath and Samson pulling down the temple.