What is Fra Anglico trying to portray in his painting, The Annunciation?

Question

Does anyone know?

Answer 1

The Annunciation was a well painted subject during the Medieval and Renaissance eras.

In this painting, Fra Angelico presents that miracle of Incarnation by which the story of salvation begins, proclaiming this truth to every friar as he passed by the painting each day.

When compared with the Annunciation of a decade before we see that the simple architecture has been replaced by heavier columns with foliated capitals. The figures have been arranged on a diagonal rather than on the single plane as we find in much of Fra Angelico's earlier work. This fresco owes much to the innovation of Masaccio, and to some extent it portrays elements of the architectural revolution brought about by Brunelleschi. The figures possess a calm and serenity which is so characteristic of Fra Angelico's work.

It is a splendid and beautiful mature work which reflects the grace and dignity which Fra Angelico brings to painting at this time, and it reflects the flowering of Renaissance ideals married to his extraordinary faith. He contains the traditional narrative within the architecture of contemporary Florence in a manner which never diminishes the power of the moment


The altarpiece consists of a central panel and a predella including five panels depicting different scenes of the Virgin's life: Birth and Betrothal, Visitation, Epiphany, Presentation at the Temple and Death.

The main panel represents two episodes related to each other: The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:8-24) and The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38). In this last and outstanding scene, the painter has placed in the foreground the Archangel St. Gabriel bowing to Virgin Mary, under a portico with double semicircular arch. The hand of God - at the left upper angle - sends a golden ray with the Holy Ghost down to the Virgin, consistent to the Gospel words.

The figures stand out against the architectural setting. In this early work, the artist has represented a rational space by means of monofocal perspective, as it would be developed, in a scientific way, along the Renaissance.

The painter uses the Gothic tradition gold leaf to underline the more brilliant and more emblematic elements though, at the same time, he makes a naturalistic survey of lighting, already typical of Renaissance culture.

Answer 2

I agree with you to a degree. Unfortunately, the media and others have gone to great lengths to introduce information that is not technically pertinent to the specific incident. Treyvon Martin was in fact suspended from school three times, once for possession of marijuana residue in a baggie, once for graffiti and once for possession of a bag full of jewelry that he admitted wasn't his (so who's was it?) and a screwdriver. George Zimmerman had a history of calling 911 A LOT as a neighborhood watch representative for his community and did have criminal record that included being 'accused' of domestic violence, tussling with a police officer and for 'over-speeding.' While interesting and even intriguing, neither persons past seems to have any direct impact on the events that transpired on that fateful night. Pictures have also been used to portray both individuals as something that they are not. Anyone that thinks these acts by the media and others were done without a motive towards manipulating the story are either liars or incredibly naive. It seems also that even though everyone admits that the police have not yet done an adequate investigation into what really happened that night, there is no shortage of people, even Congressional representatives who should know better, that are already labeling Zimmerman a 'murderer.' Maybe he will in fact be found to be one, but who are they to make such judgments before there has been a proper investigation and trial? I'd lay money on the premise that a lot of those same individuals were crying foul when others labeled Simpson 'murderer' before the trial had even taken place, much less finished. Everyone is latching on the narrative that best suits their desires and their agenda, irrespective of the 'facts' that have or even will come out ultimately. For many, this is not about justice. This is about their personal agenda and the power and or satisfaction they can gain from it winning out in the world of public opinion. Last time I checked, that's not how court cases are (or should be) decided. My greatest fear is that no matter what evidence comes out at the trial, there WILL be riots if the 'masses' don't get the result they want. Then who wins?

Answer 3

What is so wonderful about Fra Angelico's Annunciation is that Mary appears startled, a little frightened and apprehensive. She is interrupted while reading and is worried about what the angel tells her: that she will be a virgin mother and that her son will be sacrificed. It's a really beautiful painting.

Answer 4

I am assuming you know what the annunciation is and are asking more about the symbols in the painting.
Lots of links....

http://www.artfact.com/features/viewArtist.cfm?aID=24445

http://www.pause-effect.com/excerpts_p02.html

Good luck.

Answer 5

it's when the angel gabriel appears to let mary know that she is going to be carrying the son of god. many christians believe this to be true.