WELCOME FRIENDS, FAMILY & FACULTY!

This blog is an art history experiment for our Italian Renaissance travel course. We hope that you, our visitors, will not only take some time to read about what we are studying, but will ALSO feel free to make comments or ask us questions...especially after we see (most of) these things in person. As we travel, we will offer personal reflections on our experiences. After we fly out on the 17th, follow us as we visit Rome (May 18-20), Florence (20-24), and Venice (24-25). We return on Thursday, May 26...just in time for the holiday weekend.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

The Annunciation and Two Saints

Painted for Siena Cathedral in 1333
by Simone Martini and Lippo Memmi


Earliest known example of an altarpiece with the focus on the annuciation
Gold background involves raised gesso (pastiglia) words in Gothic lettering
Ave gratia plena dominus tecum-"Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee (Luke 1:28)

Highly expressive-Mary's brow is furrowed and her lips are pursed
Heavenly messenger shows movement-cloak billows out behind
Virgins body contrasts with more dimensional Angel's body
Communicates tension

Angel=symbol of peace (olive branches)
Vase of lilies=Mary's purity
Raised words=message given to Mary (Word of God)-conception

-Emily
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