The Annunciation.

Copper bas-relief, 21 x 13,6 cm, signed at the lower right "F. Michaud".

Auguste-François Michaud (1786-1879) was a French medalist and sculptor. During the first Restoration, a competition for excellence in coin-engraving perfection was set up on 2 August 1814, and won by Michaud. This led to his position of Royal coin engraver for Louis XVIII (and later under Charles X). Thereafter Michaud was called to the Court of Holland to execute gold and silver medals/coins, large official seals for the State, and various medals. Occasionally he also made delicate pieces of sculpture such as this Annunciation in neo-Renaissance style.