The artwork “Annunciation,” created by Andrei Rublev around 1410 in Moscow, Russian Federation, is a masterpiece of the Moscow school of icon painting, a branch of the Byzantine art movement. Painted on wood with tempera, this religious icon measures 81 by 61 centimeters. As part of a series of paintings for the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin, the piece resides in the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Moscow, Russia.
In the artwork, the Archangel Gabriel is depicted delivering the message of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. The angel is portrayed with wings, extending a gesture of communication towards Mary, who is shown seated on a throne-like chair, signaling her importance and reverence. The figures are garbed in traditional Byzantine attire, emphasizing their sanctity and spiritual significance. The background features an architectural setting evocative of the Byzantine style, with a minimalist yet profound use of color and form, characteristic of Andrei Rublev’s iconic detail and devotional expression. The painting’s age and wear add to its historical and spiritual gravitas, reflecting centuries of veneration and significance within the Orthodox Christian tradition.
