{"id":337523,"date":"2026-07-12T15:42:34","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T13:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/?post_type=product&p=337523"},"modified":"2026-07-12T15:45:27","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T13:45:27","slug":"angel-of-the-annunciation","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/","title":{"rendered":"Angel of the Annunciation"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

Angel of the Annunciation
\nPrague workshop within the Circle of Master Theoderich
\n(mentioned from 1359 to 1368)
\nc. 1380\/90
\nCarved from linden wood and polychromed
\nHeight 88 cm<\/p>\n

An Angel of the Annunciation\u2014A Masterpiece of Gothic Sculpture from the Prague Circle
\nThis impressive sculpture of an Angel of the Annunciation is an outstanding example of museum-quality Gothic art. It was created around 1380\/90 in the Circle of Master Theoderich in Prague\u2014one of the leading artistic centers of Central Europe at that time\u2014and represents an exceedingly rare treasure. Its art-historical significance lies not only in its masterful execution but also in its connection to one of the most fascinating workshops of late medieval art.
\nMaster Theoderich and His Artistic Circle
\nMaster Theoderich was a key figure in the Gothic art movement in Prague during the 14th century. As court painter to Emperor Charles IV, he played a decisive role in shaping the artistic decoration of St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. His influence extended far beyond panel painting: Theoderich\u2019s workshop was most likely a vibrant center of collaborative creativity, where painters, sculptors, and artisans worked closely together. It is quite conceivable that sculptors from his school also contributed to the architectural and sculptural masterpieces that defined Prague\u2019s sacred and imperial representation.
\nThe Angel of the Annunciation in Detail
\nThe sculpture depicts an angel standing upright, holding a scroll in his hands on which the words \u201cAve Maria\u201d can be read. This greeting to the Virgin Mary refers to the biblical scene of the Annunciation (Luke 1:28) and identifies the figure as a supernatural messenger of God\u2014an angel announcing the birth of Christ to Mary. The Angel of the Annunciation is the Archangel Gabriel, who appears in Christian tradition as a divine messenger. He plays his most famous role in the scene of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26\u201338): With the words \u201cAve Maria, gratia plena,\u201d he greets her as God\u2019s chosen one. Gabriel is usually depicted as a youthful, graceful angel, often holding a scroll or a lily as a symbol of purity.
\nParticularly striking are the characteristic stylistic features that reveal a close connection to the art of Master Theoderich: the short curls reaching down to the ears, with the central lock resting above the high forehead, are inevitably reminiscent of the figures that appear in the master\u2019s panel paintings. The finely modeled facial features\u2014the large, round eyes, the straight nose, and the delicate mouth\u2014reflect the naturalistic portrait style that was becoming increasingly prevalent in Prague\u2019s artistic circles in the late 14th century. The delicately flushed cheeks lend the figure additional vitality and warmth.
\nA remarkable comparison can be drawn with the depiction of Saint Vitus, which is located in a window niche of the Chapel of the Holy Cross at Karl\u0161tejn. There, too, the distinctive hairstyle with a central tuft is evident, just as it is in the depiction of Saint Louis of France above the south portal of the same chapel. The artful styling of the hair into dense, voluminous curls is a typical hallmark of Prague art from this era\u2014impressively demonstrated by the so-called Madonna of Veve\u0159\u00ed.
\nHere, the angel appears as a youthful yet contemplative figure\u2014a symbol of divine message and heavenly presence. The pose and the scroll bearing the \u201cAve Maria\u201d are clear iconographic references to his role in the Annunciation.
\nGarments and Drapery as a Reflection of Gothic Fashion
\nThe angel\u2019s garment reflects the fashion trends of the late 14th century: beneath a long, generously draped fold of the cloak, the figure wears a simple white tunic. The cloak is fastened below the neck with a striking clasp, which may once have been adorned with gemstones\u2014a reference to his otherworldly origin and exalted function. The powerful folds of the cloak\u2014ranging from angular to softly curved box pleats\u2014attest to the sculptor\u2019s masterful ability to bring movement and the quality of the fabric to life. Particularly striking are the so-called \u201cdoughy\u201d drapery folds, which characterize the \u201csoft\u201d or \u201cinternational\u201d style that flourished in Prague around 1400.
\nThe Prague Context\u2014Center of Gothic Art
\nThis sculpture fits into the stylistic development of angel depictions in the late Middle Ages: from earlier, often static and uniform forms toward more individualized and expressive figurative representations. The carefully designed clothing, the emphatically expressive facial features, and the sculptural rendering of the folds in the robe reflect the innovative spirit associated with Master Theoderich\u2019s workshop.
\nUnder the patronage of Emperor Charles IV, Prague experienced an artistic golden age. The city emerged as a center of Gothic art, where religious works not only served devotion but also underscored Prague\u2019s growing status as a cultural and political metropolis. The close intertwining of piety, claims to power, and artistic expression is impressively evident in works such as this sculpture.
\nIt is conceivable that the angel figure was created as part of the Prague court\u2019s ambitious artistic endeavors\u2014as part of a comprehensive program to present the city as the new \u201cRome of the North.\u201d Theoderich\u2019s workshop played a central role in these efforts: with its high-quality devotional images and sculptures, it left a lasting mark on Prague\u2019s sacred landscape. The angel of the Annunciation, bearing a banner inscribed with \u201cAve Maria,\u201d fits perfectly into this context, in which imperial power, religious devotion, and artistic innovation were closely intertwined.
\nBibliography
\nJi\u0159\u00ed Fajt & Jan Royt, Magister Theodoricus. Court Painter to Emperor Charles IV. The Artistic Decoration of the Sacred Spaces at Karlstein Castle, Prague 1997.
\nGustav E. Pazaurek, \u201cTheoderich,\u201d in: Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie 37, Leipzig 1894, pp. 708\u2013710.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Angel of the Annunciation Prague workshop within the Circle of Master Theoderich (mentioned from 1359 to 1368) c. 1380\/90 Carved from linden wood and polychromed Height 88 cm An Angel of the Annunciation\u2014A Masterpiece of Gothic Sculpture from the Prague Circle This impressive sculpture of an Angel of the Annunciation is an outstanding example of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":337525,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[229],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-337523","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-directsell","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"purchasable","11":"product-type-direct_sell","12":"berocket_lgv_grid","13":"berocket_lgv_list_grid"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAngel of the Annunciation | Directsale - Tiberius<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Angel of the Annunciation - in Tiberius Auctions' direct sales. Discover items available for immediate purchase in our direct sales!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Angel of the Annunciation | Directsale - Tiberius\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Angel of the Annunciation - in Tiberius Auctions' direct sales. Discover items available for immediate purchase in our direct sales!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Tiberius Auctions\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-12T13:45:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1875\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/\",\"name\":\"Angel of the Annunciation | Directsale - Tiberius\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-12T13:42:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-12T13:45:27+00:00\",\"description\":\"Angel of the Annunciation - in Tiberius Auctions' direct sales. Discover items available for immediate purchase in our direct sales!\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148.jpg\",\"width\":2500,\"height\":1875},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Startseite\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Products\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/shop\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Angel of the Annunciation\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Tiberius Auctions\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Angel of the Annunciation | Directsale - Tiberius","description":"Angel of the Annunciation - in Tiberius Auctions' direct sales. Discover items available for immediate purchase in our direct sales!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Angel of the Annunciation | Directsale - Tiberius","og_description":"Angel of the Annunciation - in Tiberius Auctions' direct sales. Discover items available for immediate purchase in our direct sales!","og_url":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/","og_site_name":"Tiberius Auctions","article_modified_time":"2026-07-12T13:45:27+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2500,"height":1875,"url":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/","url":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/","name":"Angel of the Annunciation | Directsale - Tiberius","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148.jpg","datePublished":"2026-07-12T13:42:34+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-12T13:45:27+00:00","description":"Angel of the Annunciation - in Tiberius Auctions' direct sales. Discover items available for immediate purchase in our direct sales!","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148.jpg","width":2500,"height":1875},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/angel-of-the-annunciation\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Startseite","item":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Products","item":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/shop\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Angel of the Annunciation"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/","name":"Tiberius Auctions","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"lowestimate":20320,"gallery":{"337527":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-2-150x113.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-2-300x225.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-2-768x576.jpg","large":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-2-1024x768.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-2-1536x1152.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-2-2048x1536.jpg","product-search-thumbnail-32x32":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-2-32x32.jpg","woocommerce_thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-2-600x450.jpg","woocommerce_single":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-2-600x450.jpg","woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-2-100x100.jpg"},"337529":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-3-150x113.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-3-300x225.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-3-768x576.jpg","large":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-3-1024x768.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-3-1536x1152.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-3-2048x1536.jpg","product-search-thumbnail-32x32":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-3-32x32.jpg","woocommerce_thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-3-600x450.jpg","woocommerce_single":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-3-600x450.jpg","woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-3-100x100.jpg"},"337531":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-5-150x113.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-5-300x225.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-5-768x576.jpg","large":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-5-1024x768.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-5-1536x1152.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-5-2048x1536.jpg","product-search-thumbnail-32x32":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-5-32x32.jpg","woocommerce_thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-5-600x450.jpg","woocommerce_single":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-5-600x450.jpg","woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-5-100x100.jpg"},"337533":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-12-150x113.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-12-300x225.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-12-768x576.jpg","large":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-12-1024x768.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-12-1536x1152.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-12-2048x1536.jpg","product-search-thumbnail-32x32":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-12-32x32.jpg","woocommerce_thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-12-600x450.jpg","woocommerce_single":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-12-600x450.jpg","woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-12-100x100.jpg"},"337535":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-15-150x113.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-15-300x225.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-15-768x576.jpg","large":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-15-1024x768.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-15-1536x1152.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-15-2048x1536.jpg","product-search-thumbnail-32x32":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-15-32x32.jpg","woocommerce_thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-15-600x450.jpg","woocommerce_single":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-15-600x450.jpg","woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-15-100x100.jpg"}},"highestimate":0,"price":76800,"lot":10276,"product_status":"open","next_bid_step":5000,"current_bid_obj":null,"current_bid":76800,"_if_highest_bidder":false,"_to_validate":false,"current_bidstep":76800,"lang":{"de":{"id":"337522","post_title":"Verk\u00fcndigungsengel","post_content":"Verk\u00fcndigungsengel\r\nPrager Werkstatt aus dem Umkreis von Meister Theoderich\r\n(erw\u00e4hnt von 1359 bis 1368)\r\nUm 1380\/90\r\nLindenholz geschnitzt & polychrom gefasst\r\nH\u00f6he 88 cm\r\n\r\nEin Verk\u00fcndigungsengel \u2013 Meisterwerk gotischer Skulptur im Prager Umfeld\r\nDiese eindrucksvolle Skulptur eines Verk\u00fcndigungsengels ist ein herausragendes Beispiel musealer gotischer Kunst. Sie entstand um 1380\/90 im Umkreis von Meister Theoderich in Prag \u2013 einem der f\u00fchrenden k\u00fcnstlerischen Zentren Mitteleuropas jener Zeit \u2013 und stellt eine \u00fcberaus seltene Rarit\u00e4t dar. Ihre kunsthistorische Bedeutung liegt nicht nur in der meisterhaften Ausf\u00fchrung, sondern auch in der Verkn\u00fcpfung mit einer der faszinierendsten Werkst\u00e4tten der sp\u00e4tmittelalterlichen Kunst.\r\nMeister Theoderich und sein k\u00fcnstlerisches Umfeld\r\nMeister Theoderich war im 14. Jahrhundert eine Schl\u00fcsselfigur der gotischen Kunstbewegung in Prag. Als Hofmaler Kaiser Karls IV. pr\u00e4gte er die k\u00fcnstlerische Ausstattung des Veitsdoms auf der Prager Burg ma\u00dfgeblich. Sein Einfluss erstreckte sich weit \u00fcber die Tafelmalerei hinaus: Die Werkstatt Theoderichs war h\u00f6chstwahrscheinlich ein lebendiges Zentrum gemeinschaftlicher Kreativit\u00e4t, in dem Maler, Bildhauer und Kunsthandwerker eng zusammenarbeiteten. Es ist gut vorstellbar, dass Bildhauer seiner Schule ebenfalls zu den architektonischen und skulpturalen Glanzst\u00fccken beitrugen, die die sakrale und kaiserliche Repr\u00e4sentation Prags bestimmten.\r\nDer Verk\u00fcndigungsengel im Detail\r\nDie Skulptur zeigt einen Engel in aufrechter Haltung, eine Banderole in den H\u00e4nden haltend, auf der die Worte \u201eAve Maria\u201c zu lesen sind. Dieser Gru\u00df an die Jungfrau Maria verweist auf die biblische Szene der Verk\u00fcndigung (Lk 1,28) und macht die Figur als \u00fcberirdischen Boten Gottes kenntlich \u2013 als Engel, der Maria die Geburt Christi ank\u00fcndigt. Der Verk\u00fcndigungsengel ist der Erzengel Gabriel, der in der christlichen Tradition als g\u00f6ttlicher Bote auftritt. Seine bekannteste Rolle spielt er in der Verk\u00fcndigungsszene (Lk 1,26\u201338): Mit den Worten \u201eAve Maria, gratia plena\u201c begr\u00fc\u00dft er sie als Auserw\u00e4hlte Gottes. Gabriel wird meist als jugendlicher, anmutiger Engel dargestellt, oft mit einer Banderole oder Lilie als Zeichen der Reinheit.\r\nBesonders auff\u00e4llig sind die charakteristischen stilistischen Merkmale, die eine enge Verbindung zur Kunst Meister Theoderichs erkennen lassen: Die kurzen, bis zu den Ohren reichenden Locken, deren zentrale Stirnlocke \u00fcber der hohen Stirn sitzt, erinnern unweigerlich an die Figuren, die in den Tafelbildern des Meisters erscheinen. Die fein modellierten Gesichtsz\u00fcge \u2013 die gro\u00dfen, runden Augen, die gerade Nase und der zierliche Mund \u2013 spiegeln den naturalistischen Portr\u00e4tstil wider, der in Prager K\u00fcnstlerkreisen des sp\u00e4ten 14. Jahrhunderts zunehmend Verbreitung fand. Die zart ger\u00f6teten Wangen hauchen der Figur zus\u00e4tzlich Lebendigkeit und W\u00e4rme ein.\r\nEin bemerkenswerter Vergleich bietet sich in der Darstellung des Heiligen Veit, die sich in einer Fensternische der Kapelle des Heiligen Kreuzes auf Karlstein findet. Auch dort zeigt sich die markante Haarpartie mit zentralem Schopf, ebenso wie bei der Darstellung des Heiligen Ludwig von Frankreich \u00fcber dem S\u00fcdportal derselben Kapelle. Die kunstvolle Gestaltung der Haare in dichten, volumin\u00f6sen Locken ist ein typisches Kennzeichen der Prager Kunst dieser Epoche \u2013 eindrucksvoll belegt durch die sogenannte Madonna von Veve\u0159\u00ed.\r\nDer Engel erscheint hier als jugendliche, zugleich kontemplative Gestalt \u2013 ein Sinnbild g\u00f6ttlicher Botschaft und himmlischer Pr\u00e4senz. Die Haltung und die Banderole mit dem \u201eAve Maria\u201c sind klare ikonografische Hinweise auf seine Rolle im Verk\u00fcndigungsgeschehen.\r\nGewand und Draperie als Spiegel gotischer Mode\r\nDas Gewand des Engels entspricht in seiner Ausf\u00fchrung den modischen Tendenzen des sp\u00e4ten 14. Jahrhunderts: Unter einer langen, gro\u00dfz\u00fcgig drapierten Mantelfalte tr\u00e4gt die Figur eine schlichte wei\u00dfe Tunika. Der Umhang ist mit einer auff\u00e4lligen Spange unterhalb des Halses geschlossen, die einst wohl mit Edelsteinen verziert gewesen sein k\u00f6nnte \u2013 ein Hinweis auf seine \u00fcberirdische Herkunft und seine erhabene Funktion. Die kraftvollen Falten des Mantels \u2013 von kantigen bis zu weich geschwungenen Sch\u00fcsselfalten \u2013 zeugen von der meisterlichen F\u00e4higkeit des Bildhauers, Bewegung und Stofflichkeit lebendig erscheinen zu lassen. Besonders auff\u00e4llig sind die sogenannten \u201eteigigen\u201c Draperien, die den in Prag florierenden \u201eweichen\u201c oder \u201einternationalen\u201c Stil gegen 1400 pr\u00e4gen.\r\nDer Prager Kontext \u2013 Zentrum gotischer Kunst\r\nDiese Skulptur f\u00fcgt sich in die stilistische Entwicklung der Engelsdarstellungen im sp\u00e4ten Mittelalter ein: Von fr\u00fcheren, oft statisch-einheitlichen Formen hin zu individuelleren und expressiveren Figurenbildern. Die sorgf\u00e4ltig gestaltete Kleidung, die betont ausdrucksstarken Gesichtsz\u00fcge und die plastische Durcharbeitung der Gewandfalten spiegeln die Innovationskraft wider, die mit dem Werkstattumfeld Meister Theoderichs verbunden wird.\r\nUnter der Schirmherrschaft Kaiser Karls IV. erlebte Prag eine k\u00fcnstlerische Bl\u00fctezeit. Die Stadt avancierte zu einem Zentrum der gotischen Kunst, in dem religi\u00f6se Werke nicht nur der Andacht dienten, sondern auch den wachsenden Anspruch Prags als kulturelle und politische Metropole unterstrichen. Die enge Verzahnung von Fr\u00f6mmigkeit, Herrschaftsanspruch und k\u00fcnstlerischem Ausdruck ist in Werken wie dieser Skulptur eindrucksvoll abzulesen.\r\nEs ist denkbar, dass die Engelsfigur im Rahmen der ambitionierten k\u00fcnstlerischen Bestrebungen des Prager Hofes entstand \u2013 als Teil eines umfassenden Programms zur Inszenierung der Stadt als neues \u201eRom des Nordens\u201c. Theoderichs Werkstatt spielte in diesen Bem\u00fchungen eine zentrale Rolle: Mit ihren qualit\u00e4tsvollen Andachtsbildern und Skulpturen pr\u00e4gte sie die sakrale Landschaft Prags nachhaltig. Der Verk\u00fcndigungsengel mit Banderolenaufschrift \u201eAve Maria\u201c f\u00fcgt sich ideal in diesen Kontext ein, in dem kaiserliche Macht, religi\u00f6se Hingabe und k\u00fcnstlerische Innovation eine enge Verbindung eingingen.\r\nLiteratur\r\nJi\u0159\u00ed Fajt & Jan Royt, Magister Theodoricus. Hofmaler Kaiser Karls IV. Die k\u00fcnstlerische Ausstattung der Sakralr\u00e4ume auf Burg Karlstein, Prag 1997.\r\nGustav E. Pazaurek, \u201eTheoderich\u201c, in: Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie 37, Leipzig 1894, S. 708-710."},"en":{"id":"337523","post_title":"Angel of the Annunciation","post_content":"<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-895eb11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"895eb11\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\r\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\r\n\r\nAngel of the Annunciation\r\nPrague workshop within the Circle of Master Theoderich\r\n(mentioned from 1359 to 1368)\r\nc. 1380\/90\r\nCarved from linden wood and polychromed\r\nHeight 88 cm\r\n\r\nAn Angel of the Annunciation\u2014A Masterpiece of Gothic Sculpture from the Prague Circle\r\nThis impressive sculpture of an Angel of the Annunciation is an outstanding example of museum-quality Gothic art. It was created around 1380\/90 in the Circle of Master Theoderich in Prague\u2014one of the leading artistic centers of Central Europe at that time\u2014and represents an exceedingly rare treasure. Its art-historical significance lies not only in its masterful execution but also in its connection to one of the most fascinating workshops of late medieval art.\r\nMaster Theoderich and His Artistic Circle\r\nMaster Theoderich was a key figure in the Gothic art movement in Prague during the 14th century. As court painter to Emperor Charles IV, he played a decisive role in shaping the artistic decoration of St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. His influence extended far beyond panel painting: Theoderich\u2019s workshop was most likely a vibrant center of collaborative creativity, where painters, sculptors, and artisans worked closely together. It is quite conceivable that sculptors from his school also contributed to the architectural and sculptural masterpieces that defined Prague\u2019s sacred and imperial representation.\r\nThe Angel of the Annunciation in Detail\r\nThe sculpture depicts an angel standing upright, holding a scroll in his hands on which the words \u201cAve Maria\u201d can be read. This greeting to the Virgin Mary refers to the biblical scene of the Annunciation (Luke 1:28) and identifies the figure as a supernatural messenger of God\u2014an angel announcing the birth of Christ to Mary. The Angel of the Annunciation is the Archangel Gabriel, who appears in Christian tradition as a divine messenger. He plays his most famous role in the scene of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26\u201338): With the words \u201cAve Maria, gratia plena,\u201d he greets her as God\u2019s chosen one. Gabriel is usually depicted as a youthful, graceful angel, often holding a scroll or a lily as a symbol of purity.\r\nParticularly striking are the characteristic stylistic features that reveal a close connection to the art of Master Theoderich: the short curls reaching down to the ears, with the central lock resting above the high forehead, are inevitably reminiscent of the figures that appear in the master\u2019s panel paintings. The finely modeled facial features\u2014the large, round eyes, the straight nose, and the delicate mouth\u2014reflect the naturalistic portrait style that was becoming increasingly prevalent in Prague\u2019s artistic circles in the late 14th century. The delicately flushed cheeks lend the figure additional vitality and warmth.\r\nA remarkable comparison can be drawn with the depiction of Saint Vitus, which is located in a window niche of the Chapel of the Holy Cross at Karl\u0161tejn. There, too, the distinctive hairstyle with a central tuft is evident, just as it is in the depiction of Saint Louis of France above the south portal of the same chapel. The artful styling of the hair into dense, voluminous curls is a typical hallmark of Prague art from this era\u2014impressively demonstrated by the so-called Madonna of Veve\u0159\u00ed.\r\nHere, the angel appears as a youthful yet contemplative figure\u2014a symbol of divine message and heavenly presence. The pose and the scroll bearing the \u201cAve Maria\u201d are clear iconographic references to his role in the Annunciation.\r\nGarments and Drapery as a Reflection of Gothic Fashion\r\nThe angel\u2019s garment reflects the fashion trends of the late 14th century: beneath a long, generously draped fold of the cloak, the figure wears a simple white tunic. The cloak is fastened below the neck with a striking clasp, which may once have been adorned with gemstones\u2014a reference to his otherworldly origin and exalted function. The powerful folds of the cloak\u2014ranging from angular to softly curved box pleats\u2014attest to the sculptor\u2019s masterful ability to bring movement and the quality of the fabric to life. Particularly striking are the so-called \u201cdoughy\u201d drapery folds, which characterize the \u201csoft\u201d or \u201cinternational\u201d style that flourished in Prague around 1400.\r\nThe Prague Context\u2014Center of Gothic Art\r\nThis sculpture fits into the stylistic development of angel depictions in the late Middle Ages: from earlier, often static and uniform forms toward more individualized and expressive figurative representations. The carefully designed clothing, the emphatically expressive facial features, and the sculptural rendering of the folds in the robe reflect the innovative spirit associated with Master Theoderich\u2019s workshop.\r\nUnder the patronage of Emperor Charles IV, Prague experienced an artistic golden age. The city emerged as a center of Gothic art, where religious works not only served devotion but also underscored Prague\u2019s growing status as a cultural and political metropolis. The close intertwining of piety, claims to power, and artistic expression is impressively evident in works such as this sculpture.\r\nIt is conceivable that the angel figure was created as part of the Prague court\u2019s ambitious artistic endeavors\u2014as part of a comprehensive program to present the city as the new \u201cRome of the North.\u201d Theoderich\u2019s workshop played a central role in these efforts: with its high-quality devotional images and sculptures, it left a lasting mark on Prague\u2019s sacred landscape. The angel of the Annunciation, bearing a banner inscribed with \u201cAve Maria,\u201d fits perfectly into this context, in which imperial power, religious devotion, and artistic innovation were closely intertwined.\r\nBibliography\r\nJi\u0159\u00ed Fajt & Jan Royt, Magister Theodoricus. Court Painter to Emperor Charles IV. The Artistic Decoration of the Sacred Spaces at Karlstein Castle, Prague 1997.\r\nGustav E. Pazaurek, \u201cTheoderich,\u201d in: Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie 37, Leipzig 1894, pp. 708\u2013710.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>"}},"image":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DIR_148-768x576.jpg","ask":81800,"bidsteps":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/337523","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/337523\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":337537,"href":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/337523\/revisions\/337537"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/337525"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=337523"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=337523"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=337523"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tiberius-auctions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=337523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}