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.

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 that combines architectural elements with decorative detailing, creating a contained yet atmospheric setting.

Tommaso del Mazza’s *Annunciation* (1396) is an early Italian panel painting now in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum. The work presents the biblical moment when the Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Christ child. The composition is set within an interior space that combines architectural elements with decorative detailing, creating a contained yet atmospheric setting.

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.