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Genuflecting Collection

"Genuflecting: A Historical Gesture of Reverence and Power" Genuflecting, a timeless gesture steeped in history, holds significant cultural and religious connotations

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Ordono IV of Leon and Umayyad Caliph of Cordoba Al-Hakam II

Ordono IV of Leon and Umayyad Caliph of Cordoba Al-Hakam II
Encounter that took place in Madinat al-Zahra (Cordoba) between King Ordono IV of Leon, called the Bad (926-962) and the Umayyad Caliph of Cordoba Al-Hakam II (915-976). Illustration by J. Alaminos

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Kneeling female figure with bowl and child, late 19th or early 20th century (wood, kaolin)

Kneeling female figure with bowl and child, late 19th or early 20th century (wood, kaolin, glass or mica, & paint)
1068140 Kneeling female figure with bowl and child, late 19th or early 20th century (wood, kaolin, glass or mica, & paint) by African School; 54.6x25.4x24 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: The Annunciation (oil on wood)

The Annunciation (oil on wood)
868028 The Annunciation (oil on wood) by Palmezzano, Marco (1458-1539); Vatican Museums and Galleries, Vatican City; Photo © Stefano Baldini

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Emperor Charlemagne (748-814) genuflecting as he receives the standard of Rome from St

Emperor Charlemagne (748-814) genuflecting as he receives the standard of Rome from St
6338899 Emperor Charlemagne (748-814) genuflecting as he receives the standard of Rome from St by Villain (19th century); (add.info)

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: L Avarice, 1924 (pochoir print)

L Avarice, 1924 (pochoir print)
1123820 L Avarice, 1924 (pochoir print) by Barbier, Georges (1882-1932); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Angel Gabriel, from the Annunciation, 1472-75 (oil on panel) (detail) (post-restoration)

Angel Gabriel, from the Annunciation, 1472-75 (oil on panel) (detail) (post-restoration)
BEN140571 Angel Gabriel, from the Annunciation, 1472-75 (oil on panel) (detail) (post-restoration) by Vinci, Leonardo da (1452-1519); Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: The Reception of the Diplomatique & his Suite, at the Court of Pekin

The Reception of the Diplomatique & his Suite, at the Court of Pekin
2632297 The Reception of the Diplomatique & his Suite, at the Court of Pekin, 1792 (coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Annunciate Angel (oil on canvas)

Annunciate Angel (oil on canvas)
Ma199073 Annunciate Angel (oil on canvas) by Dandini, Cesare (c.1595-1658); Private Collection; Photo eThe Ms Gallery, London; Italian, out of copyright

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Hope Cherishing the Drooping (oil on canvas)

Hope Cherishing the Drooping (oil on canvas)
5889188 Hope Cherishing the Drooping (oil on canvas) by Thomas, William Cave (c.1820-96); 91.4x91.4 cm; Private Collection; Photo eThe Ms Gallery, London; English, out of copyright

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Figure Study (oil on canvas)

Figure Study (oil on canvas)
3963575 Figure Study (oil on canvas) by Kauffmann, Angelica (1741-1807); 29x33.8 cm; Newport Museum and Art Gallery, South Wales; eNewport Museum and Art Gallery; Swiss, out of copyright

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Self Introduction and Declaration, 1823 (hand-coloured etching)

Self Introduction and Declaration, 1823 (hand-coloured etching)
1764010 Self Introduction and Declaration, 1823 (hand-coloured etching) by Heath, William (1795-1840); The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London, UK; eGeffrye Museum; English, out of copyright

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: The Gheber: Worshipping the Rising Sun, 1830 (hand-coloured engraving)

The Gheber: Worshipping the Rising Sun, 1830 (hand-coloured engraving)
2562190 The Gheber: Worshipping the Rising Sun, 1830 (hand-coloured engraving) by Doyle, John (H.B.) (1797-1868); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: The Metropolitan genuflects at the coronation ceremony of Tsar Alexander II, Moscow, 1856

The Metropolitan genuflects at the coronation ceremony of Tsar Alexander II, Moscow, 1856. Artist: Georg Wilhelm Timm
The Metropolitan genuflects at the coronation ceremony of Tsar Alexander II, Moscow, 1856. The coronation of Emperor Alexander II (1818-1881) and Empress Maria Alexandrovna (1824-1880)

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Archangel Gabriel Kneeling Right Small Study

Archangel Gabriel Kneeling Right Small Study
Artokoloro

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Madonna Protecting Two Members of a Confraternity, print made by Horatio Bertelli

Madonna Protecting Two Members of a Confraternity, print made by Horatio Bertelli
XJF476250 Madonna Protecting Two Members of a Confraternity, print made by Horatio Bertelli, 1582 (engraving) by Carracci, Agostino (1557-1602) (after); 29.9 x 21.2 cm; Private Collection; Italian

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Henry IV, Part II, 1890 (litho)

Henry IV, Part II, 1890 (litho)
KW428127 Henry IV, Part II, 1890 (litho) by Gilbert, John (1817-97); Private Collection; (add.info.: King Henry the Fourth, Part Two)

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: King John, 1890 (litho)

King John, 1890 (litho)
KW428107 King John, 1890 (litho) by Gilbert, John (1817-97); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Life and Death of King John)

Background imageGenuflecting Collection: Edward II (1284-1327) and the Minstrel (engraving) (b / w photo)

Edward II (1284-1327) and the Minstrel (engraving) (b / w photo)
XJF144062 Edward II (1284-1327) and the Minstrel (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright


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"Genuflecting: A Historical Gesture of Reverence and Power" Genuflecting, a timeless gesture steeped in history, holds significant cultural and religious connotations. From the grand halls of medieval courts to the intimate settings of sacred art, this act has been captured in various forms throughout time. In the 10th century, Ordono IV of Leon and Umayyad Caliph Al-Hakam II engaged in a diplomatic exchange, their genuflection symbolizing respect amidst political tensions. Meanwhile, a late 19th or early 20th-century sculpture portrays a kneeling female figure with a bowl and child—a poignant depiction of motherhood's humble devotion. Religious artworks also showcase genuflection's spiritual significance. In "The Annunciation, " an oil painting on wood transports us to the moment when Angel Gabriel kneels before Mary as he delivers divine news. Similarly, Queen Victoria's portrayal presenting a Bible at Windsor Castle emphasizes her role as England's spiritual leader. Even historical figures like Emperor Charlemagne recognized the power behind genuflection. As he receives Rome's standard from St Peter in one artwork, his humble posture signifies submission to higher authority. Conversely, "L'Avarice, " a pochoir print from 1924 depicting greed personified as an individual refusing to genuflect before virtue highlights its symbolic resistance against moral values. Beyond paintings and sculptures lies theater—where stage settings for Shakespearean plays like "The Winter's Tale" create immersive experiences for audiences by capturing characters' gestures including genuflection that convey emotions within dramatic narratives. Furthermore, moments frozen in time through post-restoration details reveal intricate nuances such as an angelic figure gently bending their knee during The Annunciation—an act that exudes reverence towards heavenly messages. Not limited to Western culture alone; even Eastern traditions recognize this gesture’s importance.