Study of the Annunciation 

Edwin Austin Abbey made this watercolor sketch, “Study of the Annunciation,” using paper and pigments, materials common to artistic practice at the time. The fluid nature of watercolor allows for delicate washes and spontaneous marks, seen here in the ethereal rendering of the scene, the biblical Annunciation. Abbey captures the scene with translucent blues and reds that create a sense of divine light. This medium lends itself to quick studies, ideal for capturing fleeting impressions and testing compositions. The loose brushwork and transparent layers of color reveal the artist's process, highlighting the importance of direct observation and skillful handling of materials. Unlike the labor-intensive methods of traditional painting, the quick nature of watercolors allows the artist to explore composition and color rapidly. Abbey's choice of watercolor reflects the broader cultural shift toward valuing immediacy, and underscores the skill involved in bringing the scene to life with just a few simple materials.