Slideshow used in conjunction with 'The Annunciation: Symbolic functions of space in Renaissance depictions of the Annunciation', originally published in Sophia: The Journal of Traditional Studies, 2007

1. The Annunciation
Symbolic functions of space in
Renaissance depictions of the Annunciation

2. The Annunciation
(Sandro Botticelli, 1489)

3. The Crucifixion
(Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1309-11)
The Resurrection
(Piero della Francesca, 1463-65)

5. In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in
Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose
name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was
Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favoured one!
The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his
words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The
angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and
bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.”
(Luke 1.26-31).

6. Byzantine Annunciations

7. Modern Annunciation icon

8. Duccio Di Buoninsegna (Maestá Alterpiece)

9. Simone Martini (circa 1285-1344) & Lippo Memmi (died circa 1347)
Annunciation for an alter in Sienna Cathedral, Uffizi (1333)

11. Mary is interruptedin her reading by the presence of the divine and still she
marks her page as if to go back to readingonce the angel has left. In the
veracityof his depictionof this single act Martini shows both the shockingly
wondrous and the intimatelyhuman nature of this momentous event.

13. Piero della Francesca (Perugia Polyptych, c.1460)

15. Giotto Di Bondone (1266/7-1337), Arena Chapel

17. Leonardo da Vinci, Annunciation (1472-75)
Painted for the monastery of San Bartolomeo

18. Aix Annunciation (1442-1445)
Unidentified Master of the Aix Annunciation.

20. Fra Filippo Lippi (1445-50)

21. Fra Filippo Lippi c.1443

22. Fra Filippo Lippi
Martelli Chapel, Medici church of San Lorenzo (c.1445)

23. The Annunciation
(Sandro Botticelli, 1489)

30. Convent of San Marco