Offered by Antichità Castelbarco
Tuscan School, second half of the 16th century
The Annunciation
Oil on canvas
51 x 65 cm.
In tabernacle frame 77 x 91 cm.
We offer this refined Annunciation, to be attributed to the hand of a painter active in the Tuscan area, of the Florentine school in particular, in the second half of the 16th century and a follower of the Mannerist style.
The work, certainly commissioned as an object of private devotion, is presented according to the most typical iconographic scheme, with the Archangel Gabriel with outstretched wings standing before the Blessed Virgin, a portrait of supernatural beauty, who with an imperious air presents her with the supreme announcement. One hand raised in the classic gesture of blessing, the other holds the white lily that the heavenly messenger brings to Mary as a symbol of her purity.
Although the layout is classical, there are some details that make the composition very interesting and full of charm, which we will now see.
We are immersed in the interior of Mary's rooms, in which we can identify many details with a strong symbolic value, which skilfully enrich the scene, capable of emphasising Mary's role as Mother of God: from the vase containing lilies, canonical symbols of purity, to the interior of a crystal vase, also alluding to the clarity of soul that distinguishes her;
The same goes for the presence of the four-poster bed with its intact sheets, the symbolic "Thalamus Virginis", a clear reference to her virginity, her purity at the moment of conception, as a metaphor for the Virgin's sanctity.
The dove of the Holy Spirit, depicted in the act of entering Mary's room and directed towards her, is also a symbol of the conception of Jesus through the Spirit.
Delevery information :
We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
We take great care We personally take care of the packaging, to which we devote a great deal of care: each work is carefully packed, first with arti- cle material, then with a custom-made wooden box.
Should you have the desire to see this or other works in person, we would be happy to welcome you to our gallery in Riva del Garda, Viale Giuseppe Canella 18, we are always open by appointment only.
