Artwork
The Annunciation with Saint Francis and Saint Louis of Toulouse [four panels]
![The Annunciation with Saint Francis and Saint Louis of Toulouse [four panels], by Cosmè Tura, tempera, 1475](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/cosme-tura--the-annunciation-with-saint-francis-and-saint-louis-of-toulo--b6fe2fe99644e8d8-w1024.webp)
The Annunciation with Saint Francis and Saint Louis of Toulouse [four panels] is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Cosmè Tura. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The artwork combines a central religious narrative with the presence of venerated saints, characteristic of devotional art from the late 15th century.
Cosmè Tura's The Annunciation with Saint Francis and Saint Louis of Toulouse is a multi-panel painting executed around 1475. Rendered in tempera and distemper on wood, this work presents four distinct figures arranged side-by-side. Each panel is individually bordered in gold, creating a unified yet segmented composition. The artwork combines a central religious narrative with the presence of venerated saints, characteristic of devotional art from the late 15th century.
Subject & Meaning
The composition features the Annunciation, with the winged Angel Gabriel in red robes addressing the Virgin Mary, who wears a blue dress with red sleeves. Flanking this central event are two revered saints. On one side stands Saint Francis, identifiable by his brown robe and a book. On the other, Saint Louis of Toulouse is depicted as a bishop, distinguished by his red and white vestments and pastoral staff. This arrangement combines a pivotal biblical scene with figures significant to Christian devotion.
Technique & Style
Tura employed tempera and distemper on panel for this work, a common method in the late 15th century. Tempera involves suspending pigments in an egg-yolk binder, allowing for precise detail and vibrant, lasting colors. Distemper, often using glue as a binder, could be applied for broader areas or specific effects. This technique facilitated the clear delineation of forms and the rich textures seen in the figures' robes and the subtle background of faint hills, all framed by distinct gold borders.
Artist & collection
![Saint Francis [far left panel], by Cosmè Tura](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/cosme-tura--saint-francis-far-left-panel--3b890eb4471ebc8a-w320.webp)
![The Virgin Annunciate [middle right panel], by Cosmè Tura](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/cosme-tura--the-virgin-annunciate-middle-right-panel--9eeab22c5567995d-w320.webp)
![The Archangel Gabriel [middle left panel], by Cosmè Tura](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/cosme-tura--the-archangel-gabriel-middle-left-panel--c900f72d54477be2-w320.webp)
The Annunciation
The Annunciation
Saints Catherine of Alexandria, Barbara, Agatha, and Margaret
Madonna and Child with Angels and Saints
Virgin and Child Enthroned between Saints Cecilia and Catherine of Alexandria
Saint Michael; The Mass of Saint Gregory; Saint Jerome
Madonna and Child with Saints Philip and Agnes