The Angel of the Annunciation
Simone Martini·1333
Historical Context
Simone Martini's Angel of the Annunciation, dated 1333, is the left wing of his celebrated Annunciation altarpiece, one of the masterpieces of Sienese Gothic painting. Originally created with Lippo Memmi for the Chapel of Sant'Ansano in Siena Cathedral, the work was later divided, with this fragment reaching the National Gallery of Art. The Annunciation was among the most important subjects in Sienese art, as the city was consecrated to the Virgin.
Technical Analysis
Tempera and gold leaf on panel with extraordinarily refined tooled punchwork creating elaborate textile patterns in the angel's garments. The figure embodies Simone's supreme linear elegance, with flowing Gothic drapery curves and a sinuous posture that influenced International Gothic painting across Europe.
