Description
The Annunciation was the first attempt by Fra Angelico to unite the Old Testament with the New in a single frame. In the foreground, Mary bows before Gabriel uttering the words that will alter human history: “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Hands crossed over her chest, Mary submits to divine will.
A beam of golden light emanates from the sun burst on the upper left. The shimmer rays reveal the hand of God emanating a tiny dove toward the Virgin. In the roundel atop the column separating Gabriel and Mary, the Messiah appears in relief watching the events unfold.
