The artwork, titled “Annunciation,” was created by Caravaggio in 1608. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 285 by 205 centimeters. The piece belongs to the Baroque art movement and demonstrates characteristics of Tenebrism. This religious painting is housed in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy in Nancy, France.
The artwork depicts the biblical scene of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and become the mother of Jesus. The use of dramatic lighting and intense contrasts, hallmark traits of Caravaggio’s Tenebrism, creates a heightened sense of realism and depth. Gabriel is portrayed descending from above, holding lilies, a symbol of Mary’s purity, while Mary is shown in a humble, pensive posture, draped in a rich blue robe. The dark, shadowy background emphasizes the celestial and spiritual significance of the moment, drawing the viewer’s attention to the divine encounter highlighted by the illuminated figures.