Annunciation Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882)

Description of Dante Rossetti’s The Annunciation

This work is one of the most famous in the work of the Briton, who was not only an artist but also a writer and translator.

The Annunciation is one of the most important events and feasts of Christianity. An innocent virgin named Mary took a vow of lifelong celibacy and chastity and led a pious life. So pure and blissful, that God looked on his child and with his good pleasure decided that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ - the Savior of the world. God sends the Archangel Gabriel to earth to tell Mary the good news. This story is depicted on the canvas.

Despite the fact that the painting is one of the most famous works of the master, rightfully recognized as a masterpiece, as mentioned above, in the 19th century it was very harshly criticized, not every painting met with such condemnation. This is due to a deviation from the canonical laws: we see a frightened Mary withdrawing from Gabriel, thinking perhaps that this "man" wished to encroach on her honor. It is believed that Mary, who prayed during the divine apparition, rejoiced with unspeakable joy, but was by no means frightened. This is why such a depiction was criticized.

In all other respects, however, the artist maintains his faithfulness: the color scheme is simple, yet sufficient to convey the solemnity of the moment. The lily in the hands of the angel and the white vestments are a symbol of purity and cleanliness. A bit of blue on the canvas represents peace and tranquility, for that is the color of heaven, from which the messenger came and where God lives. And very little red symbolizes the death of the future child of Mary - Christ.

Thus, this masterpiece represents not only the joyful news of the birth of the Savior, but also the sad news of his death on the cross. This is why the painting met with the strongest disapproval.