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The Annunciation

Alessandro Maganza

1593

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Religious

Dominant colour

The Annunciation is a 1593 graphite by Alessandro Maganza, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Alessandro Maganza
When & what style?: 1593 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows two robed figures standing side by side. One has arms raised, pointing upward, while the other holds something small in one hand and gestures with the other. Their drapery is drawn with quick, loose lines, and the figures look slightly unfinished, as if still in progress. The sketch uses a mix of light shading and ink lines to suggest form, with some areas left blank. This style was common for quick studies or preparatory drawings. Check out the technique: cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with layers of lines.