Simone Martini, Annunciation (detail), c. 1333, tempera on panel. Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence
Today’s entry is dedicated to Simone Martini’s Annunciation of about 1333, which presents the “pissed-off” type of Madonna. Just look at Mary’s face as Gabriel speaks the words “Ave Maria gratia plena…” She seems to be thinking, “gratia plena my golden throne!” While her surly facial expression likely derives from the Sienese penchant for all things Byzantine in the 14th century – a severity that communicates spiritual acceptance – today’s visitors might read her face as being upset with the news of her imminent impregnation by that dove surrounded by bodiless angels flying down from heaven. Another Simone painting, the Virgin of the Annunciation, shows a much more morose Madonna. What’s up with Simone and awkward looking paintings of Mary?!?
Enjoy today’s details and thank you again to my friend Sarah for recommending this entry as the first dedicated to the pissed-off Madonna!
Simone Martini, Annunciation, c. 1333, tempera on panel. Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence
Simone Martini, Virgin of the Annunciation, after 1339, tempera on panel. Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp, Belgium
