The Annunciation, oil and tempera on panel, 39 x 85, Leonarda da Vinci, circa 1472–1475, Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
Like the Nativity, the complex meaning of the Annunciation is shaped by the past, cultures, the present, and context. Probing meaning in visual art, and the meaning of a specific art work, is very challenging. Observations and analysis are captured along the remarkable continuum of history. The quality of these observations depend entirely on the capabilities of the observer to seek out the mind of the artist....And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood before her, saying: Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found grace before the Lord of all, and thou shalt conceive, according to His word. And she hearing, reasoned with herself, saying: Shall I conceive by the Lord, the living God? and shall I bring forth as every woman brings forth? And the angel of the Lord said: Not so, Mary; for the power of the Lord shall overshadow thee: wherefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of the Most High. And thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. And Mary said: Behold, the servant of the Lord before His face: let it be unto me according to thy word... The Gospel of James (circa 150 AD)
Link The Annunciation, Leonardo da Vinci, Wikipedia
Link Iconography, Augusta State University
Link Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
