Duccio di Buoninsegna ca. 1255 – 1319

The Annunciation (Maestà)

tempera on panel (43 × 44 cm) — 1308-11 Museum The National Gallery, London

Duccio di Buoninsegna biography

This work is linked to Luke 1:28

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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.

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