Angel Appearing to Zacharias 1490

Domenico Ghirlandaio's "Angel Appearing to Zacharias" (1490) depicts the moment an angel announces to the elderly priest Zacharias that his wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son, John the Baptist. The scene, set within a grand architectural space, is populated with figures clad in rich fabrics, highlighting the artist's mastery of Renaissance detail and realism. The angel, with golden wings and a flowing gown, gestures towards Zacharias, who seems both startled and bewildered by the divine revelation. This fresco is a testament to Ghirlandaio's skill in capturing the human drama of biblical narratives, making them accessible to a wider audience.