Who painted The Annunciation?

The Annunciation was painted by Henry Ossawa Tanner in 1900.

Where can I see The Annunciation?

The Annunciation is held by Philadelphia Museum of Art.

What movement is The Annunciation?

The Annunciation is associated with Impressionism.

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

Henry Ossawa Tanner , 1900

The Annunciation is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Henry Ossawa Tanner. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1898, this oil painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner portrays the biblical Annunciation. The work is part of the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and presents a quiet interior scene in which the angelic message is implied rather than shown.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a woman seated on a bed, her hands folded in her lap and her gaze directed downward, suggesting a moment of contemplation as she receives the news of her forthcoming role as mother of Jesus. The absence of the angel emphasizes the internal, spiritual response over external drama.

Technique & Style

Tanner employs a warm, golden illumination that streams from the left, casting soft shadows across a brown tiled floor and highlighting the woman's face and the white sheet. The subtle gradations of light and muted color palette create a serene atmosphere, characteristic of Tanner’s nuanced handling of chiaroscuro.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the painting entered the holdings of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s early 20th‑century efforts to represent African‑American artists within a broader American art narrative.

Context

Tanner, one of the first African‑American artists to achieve international recognition, often explored religious themes through a personal, introspective lens. This work aligns with his broader interest in depicting sacred moments with a focus on interiority and the play of light as a symbolic element.