An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The AnnunciationBotticelli (Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi)
Italian, Florence 1444/45–1510 Florence
ca. 1485–92
7 1/2 x 12 3/8 in. (19.1 x 31.4 cm)
Painting
Tempera and gold on wood
Robert Lehman Collection
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
In Botticelli's "The Annunciation," we witness a serene moment filled with divine grace. The scene captures the angel Gabriel, depicted with exquisite detail, his delicate wings and flowing robe radiating a sense of calm. He kneels before Mary, who is portrayed with a gentle humility, her hands folded in prayer.
The architectural setting is important—softly lit columns frame the space, guiding our eyes toward the interaction. The light streaming in through the windows creates an ethereal atmosphere, symbolizing the arrival of divine news.
Mary’s garments are rich in color, contrasting beautifully with the angel's lighter attire, emphasizing their distinct roles in this sacred moment. Overwhelmed yet composed, Mary’s expression reflects both tranquility and contemplation as she prepares to receive the monumental announcement that will change her life and the world.
This artwork invites viewers to pause and embrace the peaceful exchange between the divine and the human, a moment of profound significance captured in Botticelli's masterful brushwork.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
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