Spanish school of the 16th-17th centuries. Lot n° 24

Spanish school of the 16th-17th centuries. "The Annunciation". Oil on copper. Measurements: 61 x 81 cm; 76 x 96 cm (frame). In this oil on copper, a painting probably intended for private devotion, one of the most important episodes of the Virgin's life, the Annunciation, is presented to us. Mary is seated at a table with a lectern on which rests a book. This device indicates that the Virgin was an educated person who knew how to read, learned in the Scriptures, and at the same time introduces a narrative detail that was highly valued in the Baroque style. The figure of the Virgin raises her hands to her breast in an attitude of devotion, as a sign of acceptance of the divine message, and tilts her head slightly downwards with a pleased expression and a slight smile. Next to her we see the angel, who rests his feet on a cloud, holding a branch of lilies in his left hand, alluding to Mary's purity, and blessing her with his right hand. Above the figures, in the midst of a break of glory, is the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.