Terracotta Relief With Scene Of The Annunciation, Tuscany, Late 15th

By Francesco Di Simone Ferrucci (1437-1493)
Mary sits in an upright position with the baby Jesus on her knees in an antique portal. Above her hover the angels of the Annunciation and the Holy Spirit. On the side of the niche, Jesse and Simeon watch the scene. It is rare to find terracotta relief panels from this period. Most often, marble or fine wood was chosen for these representations. Tuscany, late 15th century
As in the marble panel in Arezzo Cathedral by Francesco di Simone Ferrucci, our sculptor also uses the stylistic expedient of the three-lobed niche to frame the figures. In this case, it is a seated Virgin with the Child, upon whom the dove of the Holy Spirit descends, surrounded by angels. The architectural tympanum above is supported by fluted Corinthian columns.
On either side are Saint Peter and Saint Paul, with their customary attributes of keys and sword. The strong classicism of late Antique taste that permeates this relief suggests a thorough knowledge of Roman Antiquity and, consequently, a possible provenance from the Capitoline, by looking among the sculptors active in the papal sphere towards the end of the 15th century.