Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index

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Click to view high resolution image Title: Annunciation with Saint Massima and Saint Ansanus Creator: Simone Martini, painter, and Lippo Memmi, painter Description: Mary sits on a throne next to a vase of blossoming lilies, which symbolize her purity. She sets her book down in surprise at Gabriel’s appearance. His words, the Word of God incarnated in Christ, float towards her. Gabriel’s olive sprig and crown of olive leaves allude to God’s peace with humanity via the Incarnation. In medallions above, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah and Daniel hold scrolls bearing Old Testament prophecies that medieval Christians considered to have been fulfilled through Christ. Center medallion may have once contained an image of God the Father, as it is located above a depiction of the dove of the Holy Spirit. The martyred Ansanus was an important saint for Siena. His godmother, Saint Massima, was also martyred. The signatures of Simone Martini and his brother-in-law, Lippo Memmi, on this painting give evidence of a close artistic collaboration. Source: Wikimedia Commons Rights: Public domain Subject (See Also): Angels Books Hagiography Mary, Virgin, Saint- Annunciation Mary, Virgin, Saint as Reader Geographic Area: Italy Century: 14 Date: 1333 Related Work: Current Location: Florence, Uffizi Gallery Original Location: Siena, Cathedral, Chapel of St. Ansano Artistic Type (Category): Digital images; Paintings Artistic Type (Material/Technique): Wood; Gold; Tempera; Altarpieces Donor: Height/Width/Length(cm): 305 cm/265 cm/ Inscription: From Gabriel: “Ave Maria gratia plena Dominus tecum” [Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you] Related Resources:

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