The Gospel story of the appearance of the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary was often placed by 15th century artists in the interior of a modern home. Philippino Lippi has depicted the bedroom of a prosperous townswoman, with a massive bed under a canopy, an armchair and a table with a music stand. A few volumes and a candlestick with a burned candle make up an admirable still life. There is a striking contrast between the commonplace furnishings and the miracle of the appearance of the messenger from the other world. The angel’s wings shimmer in a shaft of daylight, his clothes billow in fanciful folds, while a dove is flying towards the Virgin Mary within the golden beam of light.
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Title:
The Annunciation
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Material:
Technique:
tempera
Dimensions:
35x50,5 cm
Acquisition date:
Entered the Hermitage in 1922; handed over from the Counts Stroganov collection
Inventory Number:
ГЭ-4079
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