The Annunciation 1490

Domenico Ghirlandaio’s “The Annunciation” at Santa Maria Novella presents a study in perspective and architectural space, rendered in fresco. The scene unfolds within a carefully constructed interior, where linear perspective guides our eye to the distant landscape visible through the window. Ghirlandaio’s use of color is restrained yet purposeful, with the muted blues and reds of the figures contrasting against the neutral tones of the room. Note how the composition divides the scene into distinct zones: the foreground occupied by the angel and Mary, and the background defined by the window and architectural details. The artist employs a semiotic language of forms, inviting us to interpret the symbolic weight of each element, from the dove representing the Holy Spirit to the book symbolizing knowledge. The structure implies a dialogue between the earthly and the divine, underscoring how Renaissance art sought to reconcile classical ideals with Christian doctrine, creating a sense of harmony and order that reflects the philosophical values of its time.