Bicci di Lorenzo (Florence, 1373 - 1452, Florence)
The Annunciation, 1385-1390
Gold and tempera on panel (trasferred to canvas affixed to a modern mahogany panel), 138 x 104 cm (54 5/16 x 40 15/16 in.)
This painting represents the Annunciation, a Christian scene in which the Archangel Gabriel reveals to Mary that she is pregnant with Jesus Christ. The haloed figure of Gabriel is to our left, kneeling on the ground to face Mary, with one hand held up. His figure is medium-skinned, with golden hair in braids, and wearing a red robe with purple skirt and an elaborate wrap of gold and blue. The haloed figure of Mary is to our right, sitting upright in what appears to be a framed platform. Mary’s right arm is held to her chest and her left hand is holding a book on her lap. Mary is medium-skinned with golden hair, and she wears a red gown and blue robe. Her head is tilted slightly to her right and she looks directly at Gabriel. Above the figure of Gabriel are several haloed angels, gazing down at the pair. The cropped view of a building is visible above and behind the framework around Mary. A curved gold border frames the scene. Outside the border, in the upper corners to our left and right, are carved gold faces of winged cherubs.
Early Italian Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.