The Annunciation 1440 - 1450

This small panel, an "Annunciation" of unknown origin, is rich with symbolic meaning rooted in both scripture and tradition. Gabriel, on the left, extends a lily, symbol of purity and virtue, to Mary. Note the angel's scepter. These objects are not merely decorative; they are charged with the power to evoke archetypal human experiences. One could consider the scepter an ancestor of the classical caduceus, a staff intertwined with serpents, embodying healing and balance. We see it echoed in the rod of Asclepius, symbol of medicine, and in countless images of authority throughout history. Mary’s slightly tilted head, the curve of her body, conveys a complex mix of humility, reluctance, and quiet strength. This posture, a visual echo of the Venus Pudica, links her to classical ideals of beauty and modesty, yet here it is transformed, imbued with the weight of her unique destiny. The image engages our collective memory, prompting a dialogue between ancient ideals and the Christian narrative. The echo of symbols has the power to elicit a profound response that transcends time.