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Annunciation with Saints Ansanus and Maxima
Simone Martini and Lippo Memmi · Renaissance & Mannerism
- Artist
- Simone Martini (c. 1284–1344) and Lippo Memmi (c. 1291–1356)
- Date
- 1333
- Dimensions
- 184 x 210 cm
- Medium
- Tempera and gold on panel
- Location
- Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
This altarpiece, painted for Siena Cathedral, shows the Annunciation: the angel Gabriel kneels before the Virgin Mary to tell her she will bear the Son of God. Two saints stand in the side panels.
A closer look
Against a dazzling gold ground, Gabriel arrives in a swirl of chequered cloak, holding an olive branch, and the words of his greeting run in raised gold letters from his mouth towards Mary. The Virgin shrinks back on her throne, drawing her blue mantle around her in surprise and modesty, a gesture of startling human emotion. Between them stands a vase of white lilies, symbol of purity, and above them a circle of angels surrounds the dove of the Holy Spirit. The elegant, flowing lines make it a masterpiece of the International Gothic style.