The Annunciation of the Convent of S.Marco in Florence

The Annunciation of the northern corridor is a fresco by Beato Angelico in the convent of San Marco, located on the first floor, right in front of the stairs.

The work, which measures 230x321 cm, is of uncertain dating (1440?).

It is one of the most famous works of the master and one of the best results ever on this subject.

The Annunciation is set in a portico overlooking a courtyard, which overlooks a garden closed by a fence beyond which you can see a grove with cypresses.

The architecture is more than ever set to simple Renaissance elegance and the setting is bare and essential, like the small room that opens behind the virgin.

The only decorative note is given by the capitals of the columns.

Maria is represented in simple clothes and has a humble attitude.

The angel has his arms folded as a sign of submission.

The words of the Annunciation are painted at the bottom, near the base of the central column, more or less at the height of the spectator's eyes.

Just below, on the thickness of the step, there is an incitement to prayer: VIRGINIS INTACTAE CUM VENERIS ANTE FIGURAM PRETEREUNDO CAVE NE SILEATUR AVE ("When you pass the intact figure of the Virgin, be careful not to forget to say the Ave Maria" ).

The painter used expensive azurite and also put gold inserts on it.

Remarkable is the monumentality of the figures, isolated in the perspective scheme of the portico, with a strong sense of silent spirituality.