The Annunciation, ca. 1455

About the Work

Mary kneels in an interior that, however distorted in terms of perspective, conveys an atmosphere of intimacy and comfort. She has been reading—the devout book is still in her hand—when the Archangel Gabriel surprises her with his appearance. He holds a scroll in reference to the message he brings: Mary has been chosen to give birth to the Son of God. Like a sign of the Immaculate Conception, the Master E.S. has incorporated the Holy Spirit entirely into Mary’s halo.