Image






Matteo di Giovanni di Bartolo
Description
Maker
- Matteo di Giovanni di Bartolo, ca. 1430-1495, Italian
Title
Year
Medium
Materials/Techniques
Materials
Supports
Dimensions
Signature / Inscription / Marks
Signed: 1474
Place
Type
Credit
Gift of Mr. Robert Lehman
Object Number
About
This panel represents the Virgin Mary receiving the news that she was to become the Mother of Christ. It was designed as a component of a large multi-part altarpiece that was made for the Church of Sant' Agostino in the hill town of Asciano, near Siena. Intended to flank a magnificent central depiction of the Assumption of the Virgin into heaven (now in the National Gallery, London), the Annunciation panel originally appeared as a pinnacle on the right wing of the altarpiece. A companion pinnacle depicting the Angel Gabriel, now lost, faced her on the opposite side. Mary is shown here with her hands clasped in prayer and her head bowed to indicate humility. Her purity is symbolized by a white lily, which arises from a long-necked vase and curves to form a lectern for her prayer book.
Signed: 1474