The Annunciation followed the tradition of situating the bible stories in the nave of the church, an area where the congregation was seated. This depiction on the wall allows people immerge into the story. As the wall is in the south position, it also sets the painting against the natural source of light. It parallels to the birth of Jesus, as the light enters the church through this position, and Jesus enters the world through Virgin Mary.
Venessa emphasized on the sketch of contours and shades to depict the round figure of her main characters in her first draft. Whereas in the second draft, the brush-strokes of color was her main focus. Therefore, combining the two drafts, the final depiction of The Annunciation has an delicate outline with
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Her patulous wings are largely dominating the space. Virgin Mary, on the other hand, is half kneeling on Angel Gabriel’s side, with her head slightly bowing. This is an interesting position that most artists didn’t adopt, because of Virgin Mary’s divine …show more content…
Angel Gabriel was directly looking at Virgin Mary, with a slight smile. It expressed the gentle feeling. Virgin Mary, although not looking at Gabriel,has a slightly higher sight than in the photo. She looks calm with her relaxed manner.
Venessa expressed light through small specks of light colors among bright saturated colors in the background. It is the creation of a sense of a shimmering light quality under bright sunlight. Toward the main objects, transitions of colors is her depiction of light and shadow.
Bold color of contrast was used in this painting following by Vanessa’s exploration on colors. The introspective color blue on Virgin Mary shows the soothing, compassionate and caring, presenting her as a steady character. The orange on Angel Gabriel creates the sense of assertiveness, liveliness and divine. The contrast between the two colors surprisingly is harmonious in this painting.
Angel Gabriel is holding a lily, indicating the purity and innocence of Virgin Mary, corresponding to the bible story which Mary remained a virgin when conceived with