The Annunciation (Maestà)

On this panel of Duccio's large altarpiece Maestà the virgin Mary is visited by the archangel Gabriel. He tells her that she will soon have a baby. The message is confirmed by the Holy Spirit, entering through a window in the shape of a white pigeon.

The panel was the first in the series that describes Jesus' early life. By letting the angel enter through a porch, the role of starting panel is emphasized. Until the Maestà was taken apart in the 18th century, this panel was on the front predella.