Cestello Annunciation

Period: Florence 1445-1510

Artist: Sandro Filipepi called Botticelli

Room: 10-14 - The Botticelli Room, Uffizi Gallery 

Type: Tempera on wood, 150x156

Commissioned in 1489 by Benedetto di Ser Giovanni Guardi for the church of Cestello (today Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi). At the Uffizi since 1872.

The term Renaissance means rebirth or to be born again and brings the ideas of the classical and the modern together into a cohesive type art.  The Renaissance is known for its reconstruction of the old classical way of thinking. Sandro Botticelli painted during the early Renaissance. This can be seen in his immaculate use of order and lines and drapery.   These three characteristics within the painting help to define the painting as early Renaissance, but also manipulate the viewer’s eyes to be drawn to certain areas in the painting. Botticelli uses many techniques to enhance the meaning in his paintings.  In his painting of the Annunciation he uses lines, emotions and body movements, and symbols to portray the image of God planting his seed in a woman on Earth. 

        

The first main attribute of the painting is the orthogonal lines that run along the floor using the tiles. These lines draw the attention of the eye towards the background of the painting out the small window behind the angel.  These lines contrast with the flowing of the drapery adding a contrast of harsh order to flowing beauty (Harness). The dramatic use of straight lines helps define the beauty and grace that is to be seen in the image of Mary and Gabriel.

Another aspect of the painting is the positioning of Gabriel and Mary. This interpretation of the Annunciation is interesting because Mary looks to be rejecting Gabriel and his message and Gabriel seems to be begging Mary to accept God’s will (Harness). Mary’s body is drawing away from Gabriel while her hand is stretched out towards him as if to protect herself from him. As Mary is pushing Gabriel away he is begging her to take on the holy position of carrying the Lord. His body is hunched and leaning forward. Gabriel looks pained over Mary’s reaction. As a viewer it seems that Botticelli is trying to capture the moment when Gabriel says “Do not be afraid!” Mary is scared of Gabriel and the beauty of the angel. Gabriel’s hand is stretch out and is hesitantly pushing forward while also drawing back. His body is bent in reverence towards the one who will carry the holy seed of God.

Botticelli uses many symbols within his paintings. The angel Gabriel is holding a Lily with three buds. Each bud is to represents a part of the trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In many Renaissance paintings the artist will leave the bud closed to represent the coming of Christ, but Botticelli chooses to have the bud open. Another symbol within this painting is the tree in the middle of the window outside. This is the tree of life, showing that life is born. 

Botticelli is one of the most well known painters in the Renaissance and his paintings are well known all around the world for their vibrant color, symbolism and deep emotion. His painting of the Annunciation is one that shows the beauty of color. This painting combines all of the Renaissance ideas into a painting that depicts the religious story of Christ’s seed taking seed in Mary’s womb.

Bibliography:

"Sandro Botticelli." NNDB: Tracking the Entire World. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. <http://www.nndb.com/people/734/000084482/>.

"Early Renaissance - Early Renaissance Art." Oil Paintings Reproduction - Canvas Oil Painting Reproductions For Sale. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. <http://www.huntfor.com/arthistory/renaissance/earlyrenaiss.htm>.