Who painted The Annunciation?

The Annunciation was painted by Tommaso del Mazza in 1396.

Where can I see The Annunciation?

The Annunciation is held by J. Paul Getty Museum.

What movement is The Annunciation?

The Annunciation is associated with Byzantine icon painting.

Can I buy a print of The Annunciation?

Museum-quality prints of The Annunciation are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Annunciation

Tommaso del Mazza , 1396

The Annunciation is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Tommaso del Mazza. It dates from 1396 and is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

About this work

Overview

The composition is set within an interior space defined by Gothic architectural elements, specifically a pointed arched doorway that frames the figures.

Tommaso del Mazza's The Annunciation, dated 1396, is a tempera on panel painting that illustrates the biblical moment the Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive the Son of God. The composition is set within an interior space defined by Gothic architectural elements, specifically a pointed arched doorway that frames the figures. Gabriel, clad in blue and pink robes, kneels in a gesture of reverence while presenting a white lily, a traditional symbol of Mary's purity.

Opposite him, the Virgin Mary sits with a book on her lap, dressed in a red tunic and blue mantle, signifying her humanity and divine role respectively. A golden dove, representing the Holy Spirit, descends from above between the figures. Created during the late Trecento period in Florence, this work reflects the artist's adherence to the Sienese-influenced style prevalent in Tuscany before the full emergence of Early Renaissance naturalism.

The painting demonstrates the transitional aesthetic of the era, balancing the decorative elegance and linear rhythm of the International Gothic with a growing interest in spatial coherence and emotional gravity. It stands as a significant example of Tommaso del Mazza's religious output, showcasing his ability to render sacred narratives with clarity and devotional focus within the constraints of the altarpiece format.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Gabriel, kneeling with outstretched wings, offering a white lily, a traditional symbol of Mary's purity, while Mary sits beside a book, her hands clasped in a gesture of reverence. A dove hovers above, alluding to the Holy Spirit. The interaction captures the theological emphasis on divine intervention and Mary's consent, central themes in medieval devotional art.

Technique & Style

Del Mazza employs tempera on panel, rendering figures with delicate brushwork and a restrained palette of blues, reds, and pinks. The careful modeling of drapery and the subtle gradations of tone suggest an early use of sfumato, lending a soft transition between light and shadow that enhances the sense of depth within the confined interior.

History & Provenance

Created at the close of the 14th century, the painting remained in private hands for several centuries before entering the Getty Museum’s collection in the late 20th century. Its provenance reflects the broader movement of Italian Gothic panels into American institutions during the post‑World War II art market.