Subjects:
Works of art can best be appreciated when the elements of design, the principles of design, and the iconography of the work are observed and understood. The Annunciation, a painting by the Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbaran, is a work of art that incorporates both the elements and principles of design. The iconography of the painting is of great importance as well as its aesthetic quality.
The ability to create a picture of The Annunciation in one’s mind is a key factor in understanding the analysis of the work. Francisco de Zurbaran approaches the painting with a naturalistic style. The painting features a room in which a woman – like angel is seen at the left kneeling on the ground before the Virgin Mary. The figure of Mary is placed between a chair and a small wooden table draped with a green cloth. Mary disregards an open Bible on the table, as she appears solemn while staring at the floor. Floating above the two main figures in the upper left side of the painting are cherubs resting on a bed of clouds. They happily gaze down at Mary with eyes from Heaven.
The Annunciation uses elements of design to create a visually pleasing picture. The visual elements
. . .
Color is used to draw attention to important characters and objects in the painting. The prevalence of texture supports De Zurbaran’ s use of realism in this painting. The Angel appears gentle and the white color of the angel shows the purity of God’s messenger. De Zurbaran uses warm colors in the foreground. De Zurbaran portrays the biblical story of Angel Gabriel appearing before Mary to announce that God has chosen her to bare a son, Jesus, who will save God’s people from their sins. consist of light, color, texture, shape, and line. In The Annunciation, Francisco de
Zurbaran has successfully created a pleasing visual image of a significant religious event. Light emphasizes the fair skin of the Angel and Mary as they both look down towards a shadowy floor. The elements of design, principles of design, and iconography of The Annunciation must be observed and understood in order for a viewer to recognize the artist’s intent and the importance of the painting. Drapes that hang above Mary have a full and defined feel to them. A bright, yellow cloud floating above the room symbolizes the joy of the angelic figures. Balance and emphasis and focal point are the predominant principles used by Francisco de Zurbaran. The use of this principle is of great importance because it is a key structure in the artist’s intent to recreate this event.
Essay's Topics
All research is for reference purposes only.