An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Annunciation to Zacharias; (verso) The Angel of the AnnunciationGiovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia)
Italian, Siena 1398–1482 Siena
ca. 1455–60
Overall: 29 7/8 in. × 17 in. (75.9 × 43.2 cm)
Painting
Tempera and gold on wood
Robert Lehman Collection
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
In Giovanni di Paolo's "The Annunciation to Zacharias," we witness a moment filled with divine promise and sacred revelation. The scene is set within an intricately designed architecture that forms a harmonious backdrop to the profound encounter between Zacharias and the Angel Gabriel.
The use of light is notable; golden rays illuminate the figures, signifying the heavenly nature of the message being delivered. Zacharias stands in a posture of both surprise and reverence, his expression reflecting the weight of the news he receives. His robe, rich in color, enhances the depth of his character and the significance of the moment.
The angel, with delicate features and flowing garments, exudes tranquility. Her gentle presence, contrasted with the structured environment, suggests a bridge between the earthly and the divine. Surrounding them, figures in varied attire observe—perhaps they are witnesses to this miraculous event, their faces a blend of curiosity and awe.
The ornate details of the architecture echo themes of spirituality and structure, drawing the viewer into a space where the mundane meets the extraordinary. The arches and columns serve not just as a setting, but as symbols of support for the pivotal moment of revelation.
As we gaze upon this artwork, we are invited into a story of faith and expectation, capturing the essence of a moment that resonates across time, inspiring us to reflect on our own encounters with the divine.
About the artist
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