A Trinity of Annunciations

The iconic Annunciation scene has nurtured artists’ imagination for centuries, reflecting their own artistic styles and the times in which they lived.

A detail from "The Annunciation," circa 1644, by Philippe de Champaigne. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. Public Domain

The Annunciation is one of the most popular Christian subjects in art. This pivotal biblical narrative comes from the Gospel of Luke. In the story, God sends the archangel Gabriel to visit a virgin woman named Mary living in Nazareth. The archangel tells her that she will bear the Son of God, Jesus. At first, Mary is surprised, questioning how such a thing is possible. Gabriel tells her not to be afraid and explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her. Mary accepts humbly God’s will.

Working with this religious story, painters throughout history have incarnated unique visions that reflect their own artistic styles and the times in which they lived.

Sienese Scenes

One of the most beautiful depictions of the Annunciation was created by the Sienese 14th-century artists Simone Martini (circa 1284–1344) and his brother-in-law, Lippo Memmi (active between 1317 and 1347). “Annunciation With St. Maxima and St. Ansanus” from 1333 is a masterpiece in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Originally, it was made for the Cathedral of Siena’s altar of St. Ansanus.