An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Annunciation1742
Artist: Agostino Masucci
Italian (Rome), 1691–1758
38 3/4 x 26 7/8 in. (98.43 x 68.26 cm) (canvas)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Italy
18th century
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund
In the heart of Lisbon, amidst the golden hues of the sun setting over the terracotta rooftops, a visionary dream took form. It was during the early 18th century when King John V of Portugal, a monarch known for his lavish tastes and passion for the arts, felt a calling to adorn the walls of the Church of Saint Roque with divine beauty. His mind danced with images of sacred scenes that would transcend time and speak to the souls of those who beheld them.
To realize this vision, he turned to an artist of great repute—Masucci. With a heart full of purpose, Masucci set to work, crafting small modelli, or preparatory sketches. These delicate masterpieces were the seeds of larger works, destined to bloom into splendid paintings. Among these, The Annunciation stood out, capturing the moment of divine revelation in soft, flowing lines and vibrant colors. It was a piece that resonated with hope, enveloping the viewer in its ethereal embrace.
Once complete, Masucci carefully packaged these modest yet magnificent works and sent them across the waves to the King for approval. In 1747, the paintings reached the royal court, where they were met with admiration, each stroke and shade painstakingly celebrated. The King nodded in satisfaction, and from that moment, the wheels of artistry began to turn, leading to the momentous transformation of Masucci's paintings into breathtaking mosaics.
By 1752, these captivating visual stories found their permanent home in the chapel of St. John the Baptist within the Church of Saint Roque. Each piece, now composed of thousands of tiny, gleaming tiles, told its tale anew, capturing the essence of human devotion and the sacred narratives that connect us all. As the sunlight filtered through the church’s stained-glass windows, it illuminated the mosaics, bringing them to life in a kaleidoscope of colors that whispered of faith, artistry, and the timeless bond between creator and creation.
About the artist
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