Virgin Annunciate
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Authors
Pietro Alamanno; Giovanni Alamanno
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Keyword
Child Madonna , Virgin , Annunciation , Madonna , Gabriel , Angel Gabriel
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Abstract
This wood sculpture (c. 1570–1590) at the Museo Nazionale del Palazzo di Venezia in Rome depicts the Annunciate Virgin and originates from Naples. The Virgin, carved integrally with her pedestal, features neatly curled hair that reaches her hips and wears a crown carved in relief. Her blue tunic is adorned with elaborate gold designs created using the l’estofado d’oro technique, where the sculpture is gilded, covered with a uniform colour, and then incised with a sharp instrument to reveal the gold underneath. This technique was also used to create the vegetal patterns on her tunic. Her gilded cloak drapes from her shoulders to her feet, wrapping around her torso. The cloak is secured with her left hand. The right hand, which is a later reconstruction, reaches toward the Angel, possibly representing an earlier moment in the Annunciation when Mary questions how she could become pregnant.
Previously, the sculpture was interpreted as the Child Madonna, typically depicted with her mother, Saint Anne. This interpretation is supported by her youthful appearance and the white band tightening her dress, a virginal element. However, it is more likely that the Virgin uses her left hand to cover and protect her subtly swollen stomach with the cloak, symbolizing the moments after the Angel Gabriel’s announcement when she accepts her role as the mother of Jesus.
A technical analysis conducted in 2009 determined the wood to be limewood. Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.
Description
National Museum of the Palazzo di Venezia; Ufficio Esportazioni – Ditta Tartaglia Collection