“The Annunciation,” an exquisite work by Filippo Lippi, was painted between 1448 and 1450. This Early Renaissance masterpiece, crafted using tempera on wood, measures 68 by 152 centimeters. It resides within the esteemed National Gallery in London, UK, and belongs to the genre of religious painting.
The artwork portrays the biblical scene of the Annunciation, where the Archangel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary to announce that she will conceive and become the mother of Jesus. Gabriel, adorned in elaborate robes and a golden halo, extends a gentle greeting towards Mary, who is seated on the right. Her posture reflects a humble acceptance of the divine message. The setting is a meticulously detailed architectural space, enhanced with a delicate play of light and shadow, characteristic of Lippi’s skill. A vase of lilies, symbolizing purity, stands between the celestial messenger and the divine recipient, reinforcing the scene’s sacred and serene atmosphere.
