Ecce Ancilla Domini! (The Annunciation) is a painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti that depicts the biblical scene of the Angel Gabriel appearing to the Virgin Mary. The painting was created in 1849-50 during a time when Rossetti was inspired by Early Renaissance artists like Botticelli and Fra Angelico. The painting represents a radical interpretation of the religious subject, using a limited color range with predominance of white, vibrant blue, and red symbolic of Christ’s blood.
Rossetti used his sister Christina as the model for the figure of Mary while Miss Love sat for the Virgin’s hair. Despite its historical significance and artistic excellence, this painting received severe criticism when it was exhibited in 1850 which caused Rossetti to stop showing his work publicly and focus on watercolors instead.
Today, the Ecce Ancilla Domini! can be seen at Tate Britain museum in London where people can appreciate its unique visual style that deviates from traditional at-the-time depictions while also contemplating one of Christianity’s most significant moments This oil masterpiece stands out due to Rosetti’s masterful use of color symbolism and flowery ornamental flourishes that give an added depth to an already profound story about hope and faith
