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Ecce Ancilla Domini! (The Annunciation)

Photo credit: Tate

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Inspired by the work of early Renaissance artists such as Botticelli and Fra Angelico, Rossetti sought in this work a radical reinterpretation of the Annunciation. Traditionally the Virgin was depicted in studious contemplation, reading a missal at a prie-dieu; but here Rossetti shows her rising awkwardly from a low bed, as if disturbed from sleep, while the Angel Gabriel presents her with a white lily. Both figures are dressed in white, a symbol of the virgin's purity, and the angel's role as the messenger of god is emphasised by the small white dove hovering beside him, signifying the presence of the holy spirit. Rossetti used several sitters for his figures, including his brother, William Michael, for the Angel and his sister, Christina, for the Virgin.

Tate

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More information
Title

Ecce Ancilla Domini! (The Annunciation)

Date

1849–50

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 72.4 x W 41.9 cm

Accession number

N01210

Acquisition method

Purchased 1886

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

date inscribed