The Annunciation 1671 - 1747

Francesco Solimena painted The Annunciation in Italy sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. The painting depicts the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to announce that she will conceive and bear the son of God. The Annunciation was a popular subject for artists during this time, and Solimena’s version is characteristic of the Baroque style, which was prevalent in Europe. Note the elaborate and dramatic composition and the use of color and light to create a sense of movement and energy. These were intended to appeal to the emotions of the viewer and inspire religious devotion. The Catholic Church was a major patron of the arts, and paintings like this were often commissioned for churches and chapels. Historians can compare this image with similar depictions of the Annunciation in order to understand the social and cultural values of the time.