Israhel van Meckenem (Circle)

An exceptionally rare, fine impression with lively colours. Only three copies of this sheet are known: an uncoloured one in the Albertina in Vienna, a coloured one in the State Graphic Collection in Munich, and ours – also coloured – from the princely library in Maihingen. Therefore, this sheet is the last available example on the art market. Mary kneels in prayer, turned to the left, in front of a lectern on which an open book lies. The angel, with a cross-decorated headband, descends from the right. In his right hand, he holds a censer, and in his left, a banner with the inscription “ave gracia plena“. In the upper left, God the Father appears in half-figure, surrounded by a radiant cross-nimbus on clouds, holding a cross in his left hand and blessing with his right. From his mouth, the Holy Spirit, depicted as a dove, descends on rays, and above, on a banner, the words “ecce ancella dm“ are inscribed. While Lehrs still attributed the sheet to Meckenem himself, more recent research suggests it belongs to his circle. Narrow margins around along the plate edges. The edges slightly darkened, but otherwise vibrant in color. Otherwise in very good condition.