Works of art can best be appreciated when the elements of design, the principles of design, and the iconography of the work are observed and understood. The Annunciation, a painting by the Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbaran, is a work of art that incorporates both the elements and principles of design. The iconography of the painting is of great importance as well as its aesthetic quality.

The ability to create a picture of The Annunciation in one’s mind is a key factor in understanding the analysis of the work. Francisco de Zurbaran approaches the painting with a naturalistic style. The painting features a room in which a woman – like angel is seen at the left kneeling on the ground before the Virgin Mary. The figure of Mary is placed between a chair and a small wooden table draped with a green cloth. Mary disregards an open Bible on the table, as she appears solemn while staring at the floor. Floating above the two main figures in the upper left side of the painting are cherubs resting on a bed of clouds. They happily gaze down at Mary with eyes from Heaven.

The Annunciation uses elements of design to create a visually pleasing picture. The visual element

s consist of light, color, texture, shape, and line. The use of light is one of the most evident elements in this painting. The source of light is not directly visible in the painting, but appears as a radiant angelic host floating above the two main figures. Light emphasizes the fair skin of the Angel and Mary as they both look down towards a shadowy floor. Light also reflects the open Bible on the table suggesting emphasis on the holiness of Mary. The rest of the room remains eerily dark and dull.

The iconography of The Annunciation is significant in its understanding and appreciation. De Zurbaran portrays the biblical story of Angel Gabriel appearing before Mary to announce that God has chosen her to bare a son, Jesus, who will save God’s people from their sins. The naturalistic element of the painting is important in the visual depiction of this momentous scene of religious history. De Zurbaran also idealizes Mary to emphasize her holiness. Mary maintains a graceful pose even when she is frightened by the Angel’s news. The room is also bare and suggests Mary’s modesty. The Angel appears gentle and the white color of the angel shows the purity of God’s messenger. The cherubs who gaze down at Mary appear happy by the news, and the cloud they rest on symbolizes Heaven watching as the Angel delivers the news. A white dove is placed at the top center of the cloud and may represent God or the Holy Spirit as well.

De Zurbaran’ s use of focal point and emphasis is easily identified

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