**First Time At Auction**

Europe, Italian, ca. 19th century CE. A reproduction miniature painted-brass framed souvenir card of the archangel Gabriel speaking with the Virgin Mary about her destiny to give birth to Jesus Christ. Set in a covered patio with a vaulted roof and Romanesque columns, the Virgin Mary is grasping her womb with both hands while Gabriel leans forward with both arms crossed over his chest. Dark yellow coronal halos highlight the light complexion of both figures, which helps to emphasize the delicate nature of the scene. Portrait held in frame by six sets of malleable three-pronged fasteners. Size: 2.8" L x 3.6" W (7.1 cm x 9.1 cm).

The painting this souvenir card is depicting is Fra Angelico's "The Annunciation," ca. 1438 to 1445. The writing on the verso is an inscription identifying the original painting title and artist, and underneath is descriptive information describes the professor that purchased it, from where, and contact information for the professor.

Provenance: ex-private Hawkins collection, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#119122

Glass has a semi-circular crack drooping between both upper corners. Frame has minor wear to top and corners. A thin cardboard backing has many Italian words written using black ink.