The Annunciation and Expulsion from Paradise
Tempera On Panel
Sienese Renaissance
1435
Renaissance
55.0 x 59.0 cm
This nearly square painting is visually divided into three vertical zones, with a pergola-like structure occupied by two people at the center taking up the most space, and narrower scenes with more people to either side. All the people have light, peachy skin tinged in some areas with pale green. The central structure has a shallow roof and several types of arched openings—some rounded and some pointed, all of different sizes. A winged angel to the left under the structure has curly blond hair and wears a shell-pink, floor-length robe. A seated woman to our right wears a lapis-blue dress and a white head covering. She sits with her forearms crossed over her chest, her hands in front of her shoulders. Both have plate-like, gold halos. Two arched openings at the back of the structure lead into rooms beyond. In the left quarter of the painting, a nude man and woman are pushed through an arched gateway by a winged angel with a gold halo. A bearded, haloed man looks down from a gold cloud above. Forest-green trees line the garden at the back and flowers and rabbits fill the space around the people’s feet. To our right, a balding, bearded man warms his hands at a fire in a room beyond the central structure. He wears rose pink and has a gold halo.
Giovanni di Paolo (1403 – 1482)
Giovanni di Paolo (c.1403-1482): Discover the captivating, dreamlike world of this Sienese master! Explore his surreal religious scenes & unique Gothic-Renaissance style.
About this artwork
- Title: The Annunciation and Expulsion from Paradise
- Artist: Giovanni di Paolo
- Year: 1435
- Original dimensions: 55.0 x 59.0 cm
- Format: Landscape
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Medium: Tempera On Panel
- Creative period: Early Period
- Color palette: Earthy
- Main color: Driftwood
Quick Facts
- Movement: Sienese School
- Notable elements: Gold halos, vertical zones, ornate canopy
- Artist: Giovanni di Paolo
- Dimensions: 55 x 59 cm
- Artistic style: International Gothic and Early Renaissance
- Subject or theme: Biblical Annunciation and Fall of Man