Description
West Façade, Left Frieze, Life of Mary and Infancy of Christ, Left Side of Central Portal
12: Annunciation to the Virgin
(Luke 1:26-28, Protevangelium of James 11:1-3 )
Mary (veiled, haloed) sits at center. At left is the Angel of the Annunciation, haloed and holding a rod. Joseph (bearded) sits at right, leaning on a staff.
Mary and Joseph appear to be seated on a single bench, echoing the pose of Joachim and Anne in Scene 4 – PM.
It is rare in western art to show Joseph at the Annunciation (Heimann, 78-79 for other examples). The placement of Mary or the corner emphasizes her importance and her isolation.
At right are figures from:
9: Mary Presented to Joseph.
10: Marriage of Mary and Joseph.
11: Joseph takes Mary home.
Subject
Cathédrale de Chartres--Pictorial works.;Church decoration and ornament--France--Chartres--Pictorial works.;Church architecture--France--Chartres--Pictorial works.;Christian art and symbolism--France--Chartres--Medieval, 500-1500--Pictorial works.
