A Variety Of Topics All Regards to Two Specific Pieces Of Art: Simone Martini And Lippo Memmi’s, Annunciation

This work is composed of three sections, a large center panel that most of the focus is intended on with an angel and the Virgin Mary and two side panels with women in each. The women possibly could be saints. This painting initially decorated the altar of St. Ansanus in the Cathedral of Siena, and had been custom-made as part of a cycle of four altarpieces devoted to the city’s patrons saints during 1330-1350. This painting is intended to represent the story of the Life of the Madonna (Wikipedia). The date of this painting is detailed in a very small fragment of the original frame, now the date is embedded in the 19th-century renovation. In the small fragment it lists the name of Simone Martini and his brother-in-law Lippo Memmi, although it is not clear which parts they executed (Wikipedia). This piece is very unique; I’ve never seen a piece of act like this. I really appreciate how the artists uses the color gold through almost the entire picture. The gold makes the picture feel more expensive or royalty like. Another interesting thing to think about is who exactly painted what on this work because in fact two painters created this work.

Simone Martini and Lippo Memmi’s, Annunciation shows the archangel Gabriel entering the house of the Virgin Mary to tell her that she will soon birth the child Jesus (Wikipedia). On a side note an interesting fact is the name Jesus which means savior. The angel is holding a branch of some sort; I believe this is some type of offering or a gift to the Virgin Mary. In addition there is a lot of religious related items like the crosses, high back chairs, lavish looking gowns, this scene looks to be in a place like a church or religious structure. The Virgin Mary looks like she is not impressed by the offers the angel is giving her; maybe she doesn’t want the gifts or is offended by them.