The Annunciation
- Artist: Master of the Judgment of Parisactive about(Life dates)
- Date: c. 1430-40
- Medium: tempera on panel
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is The Annunciation by the Master of the Judgment of Paris, created around 1430‑40. Though modest in size, the painting bursts with color and drama. In a sunlit courtyard, the Virgin Mary sits on a wooden bench, her hands folded in quiet anticipation. Angel Gabriel, with a golden halo and flowing robes, delivers the divine message that she will bear the son of God. Just beyond, a gentle dove represents the Holy Spirit, adding a subtle spiritual layer to the scene. The composition is richly balanced: Mary's profile is framed by a stone wall, while the angel's outstretched hand directs the viewer's eye toward the dove. Every detail—from the intricate folds of Mary's dress to the delicate feather pattern on the dove—invites closer inspection. The tempera on panel technique gives the surface a luminous sheen, enhancing the scene’s immediacy. Together, these elements create a contemplative tableau that captures the moment’s profound significance while encouraging viewers to explore its layers of symbolism and narrative.
See it in person
The Annunciation hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
