The Virgin Annunciate [middle right panel]

The Virgin Annunciate — facing the Archangel Gabriel across the original altarpiece structure — presents the most psychologically complex moment: the Virgin's response to Gabriel's announcement that she will bear the Son of God. Mary's expression in Annunciation paintings ranges from startled fear through serene acceptance, and Tura's treatment of her psychological state reflects the intense spirituality of Ferrarese courtly culture, which invested heavily in private devotional imagery of concentrated emotional power. As the pendant to Gabriel in the NGA altarpiece series, this panel would have completed the Annunciation across the altarpiece's wings, the central panel presumably showing the sacra conversazione or another devotional subject. Tura's Virgin is rendered with his characteristic fusion of idealised beauty and almost supernatural intensity.

The Virgin's face achieves an unusual psychological depth within Tura's characteristically hard, linear manner — the features drawn with precision but the expression suggesting inner complexity. The drapery is handled with Tura's typical metallic sharpness, the folds describing the figure beneath with angular, almost abstract clarity.