The artwork titled “Annunciation” was created by Orthodox Icons between c. 1300 and c. 1375. It belongs to the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance art movement, which spanned from 1261 to 1453. This piece is part of the genre of religious icons and specifically belongs to the Evangelical cycle. Presently, the artwork is housed in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts the biblical scene of the Annunciation, where the Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and become the mother of Jesus Christ. The composition is centered around three divine figures, with Gabriel on the left, Mary on the right, and a representation of the divine presence above. The delicate and intricate detailing in the figures’ halos and robes are characteristic of the Byzantine iconography style. The architectural background, featuring arches, columns, and drapery, adds depth and context to the holy encounter. The gold-leaf background enhances the sacred atmosphere and underscores the divine nature of the moment captured. Despite the wear and deterioration visible on the artwork, its spiritual and historical significance remains profound.