Annuciation, 1472
Leonardo da Vinci
Italian, 1452-1519
Oil on panel
Uffizi Museum
One of the very few remaining works from his Florentine period and of the even fewer from any period that survive in good condition is the magical Annunciation.
No documents refer to the origins of commissioning of this work, painted about the time Leonardo was still at Verrocchio's workshop. The only date recorded is 1867, when it arrived in the Uffizi from the sacristy of San Bartolomeo a Monte Oliveto.
The Virgin is seated calmly on the threshold of a splendid villa. She recognizes the angel's message only by lifting her left hand in a gesture of patrician surprise. No trace of emotion disturbs the composure of her delicate features.
The two faces show an unearthly softness and lightness, without any shadows, even though light has entered the picture with the angel casts his shadow on the grass. Yet every nuance of shape in the faces is clear, firm and beautiful.
Annuciation, 1472
Leonardo da Vinci
Italian, 1452-1519
Oil on panel
Uffizi Museum
One of the very few remaining works from his Florentine period and of the even fewer from any period that survive in good condition is the magical Annunciation.
No documents refer to the origins of commissioning of this work, painted about the time Leonardo was still at Verrocchio's workshop. The only date recorded is 1867, when it arrived in the Uffizi from the sacristy of San Bartolomeo a Monte Oliveto.
The Virgin is seated calmly on the threshold of a splendid villa. She recognizes the angel's message only by lifting her left hand in a gesture of patrician surprise. No trace of emotion disturbs the composure of her delicate features.
The two faces show an unearthly softness and lightness, without any shadows, even though light has entered the picture with the angel casts his shadow on the grass. Yet every nuance of shape in the faces is clear, firm and beautiful.