The artwork, titled “Annunciation,” is a tempera painting on panel created by Fra Angelico between 1433 and 1434. A notable piece of the Early Renaissance art movement, this religious painting is part of “The Cortona Altarpiece” series and measures 150 x 180 cm. Currently, the artwork is held in the Diocesan Museum in Cortona, Italy.
“Annunciation” depicts the biblical scene of the Angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and become the mother of Jesus Christ. The composition is meticulously rendered with a serene and holy ambiance. The archangel, adorned with strikingly detailed wings and a richly colored robe, bends reverently toward Mary, who is seated on a bench under a colonnade. Mary is depicted with a gentle expression, her hands crossed in humility and devotion. Both figures are accentuated with golden halos, signifying their sanctity. The background of the artwork includes a garden replete with symbolic vegetation and an architectural setting that employs perspective, showcasing Fra Angelico’s mastery in blending divine serenity with the architectural innovations of the Early Renaissance. The predella, or lower part of the altarpiece, features an array of smaller narrative scenes that further elaborate on the life and significance of the Virgin Mary, adding to the artwork’s religious depth and storytelling.
