Lombard School, Early 18th Century, Annunciation painting

Lombard School, Early 18th Century Annunciation Oil on canvas, 58 x 75 cm Frame 86 x 103 cm The painting examined, with a strong devotional and decorative impact, depicts the episode of the Annunciation, a central moment in Christian tradition where the Archangel Gabriel announces the divine conception to the Virgin Mary. The iconography follows the canonical compositional scheme: the angel bursts into the domestic space with an eloquent gesture, while Mary, caught in an attitude of surprise and humble acceptance, interrupts her reading of the Holy Scriptures. The episode is taken from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:26-38), specifically: "The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’" The composition is developed according to a theatrical layout, with a strong contrast between the dynamic figure of the angel and the contemplative figure of the Virgin. On the left, the Archangel Gabriel descends on a cloud, is caught in motion, with flowing drapery, emphasized by the warm hues of red and by a raking light that illuminates his figure. On the right, Mary is depicted in the dynamic moment of rising from the prie-dieu where she was immersed in reading and prayer. Her posture is composed, her tilted face expresses astonishment and meditation. The red dress with a blue mantle recalls traditional chromatic iconography. The interior space is simple but constructed with perspectival depth, opening in the background to three windows that introduce the external landscape with foliage. The open book on the prie-dieu alludes to prophecy and meditation on the Scriptures. The lily, held by the Archangel in his right hand, recalls the purity of the Virgin. The light has a narrative value: it descends from above and envelops the scene, creating a contrast between shadow and divine illumination, typical of late Baroque figurative culture and a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit descending from above towards the Virgin. The work is placed within the context of Lombard painting of the early 18th century, characterized by the persistence of 17th-century Baroque models and an attention to emotional and devotional aspects. A figurative culture updated on Milanese and Lombard examples is evident, with a synthesis of naturalism and classical composure. The painting shows affinities with the production of the Lombard area between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, particularly with the later works of Stefano Maria Legnani for the dynamism of the angel and the diffused luminosity, and generally with Milanese devotional painting influenced by Lombard naturalism and Emilian classicism. Compared to these models, the work stands out for its intimate and collected rendering, likely intended for private or devotional commission. It presents repainting and restorations. All our works are accompanied by a detailed certificate of authenticity. Professional packaging and insured shipping to ensure maximum safety during transport. For further information, do not hesitate to contact us +39 329 319 4887 – [email protected] Possibility of VIDEO CALLS and direct viewings by appointment in MILAN and BORGOMANERO (NO). Further information and photographs: www.dequart.com IG - FB @dequ.art