Artwork
The Annunciation

The Annunciation is a graphite drawing by the Renaissance artist Alessandro Maganza. It dates from 1593 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:by later hand, upper left verso in ball point pen: Maganza
About this work
Overview
The Annunciation is a drawing attributed to Alessandro Maganza, created in 1593. It is a preparatory sketch executed in leadpoint or graphite, pen, and brown ink on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts two robed figures standing together, likely representing the scene of the Annunciation. One figure has raised arms, while the other holds a small object and gestures.
Technique & Style
The sketch employs a range of techniques, including cross-hatching and loose lines, to convey form and drapery. The use of mixed media and varying line weights creates a sense of depth and texture, characteristic of preparatory drawings from this period.
History & Provenance
The drawing is now held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection

![Studies for an Annunciation [recto], by Palma il Giovane](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/palma-il-giovane--studies-for-an-annunciation-recto--a15d0411b7678b1e-w320.webp)


![Female Saint Carrying a Banner [recto], by Baldassare Franceschini](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/baldassare-franceschini--female-saint-carrying-a-banner-recto--7b0a38585a5ad76d-w320.webp)
![Biblical Scene [verso], by Sebastiano Ricci](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/sebastiano-ricci--biblical-scene-verso--d33f1e2abb3d29f7-w320.webp)


![Mythological Composition with Chronos and Harpies [recto], by Giovanni Battista Cipriani](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/giovanni-battista-cipriani--mythological-composition-with-chronos-and-harpies-recto--23e4197a1ba0ae7e-w320.webp)
![The Ecstasy of Saint Francis [recto], by Sebastiano Ricci](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/sebastiano-ricci--the-ecstasy-of-saint-francis-recto--5f53f9b59775e5dd-w320.webp)
![Figure Studies [recto], by Giovanni Battista Cipriani](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/giovanni-battista-cipriani--figure-studies-recto--32b47b1a71716a78-w320.webp)
