Duccio was a painter during the 13th Century when the harsh Byzantine style was in use. It was a highly symbolic way of painting, which was not used for its beauty, but was thought of as a window into the spiritual world. Duccio heralded in the transition to Renaissance painting by softening his works of art and making them more beautiful and pleasing to the eye than his predecessors did.
In The Annunciation by Duccio, one can see Byzantine symbolism and Renaissance sensuality together creating a picture of dual beauty. The focus is on the Virgin Mary, who is seen holding the Scriptures open; this posture indicates attention to God’s word and faith in His promise of a Redeemer. At the same time she crosses herself, clasping her veil in perplexity and fear, while the Archangel Gabriel reaches out in supplication and reassurance. A door stands open behind her as if to suggest that through the Virgin’s free will she could have said not to God’s request, and yet her stance indicates she is open to God’s Will. While the symbolism enriches this painting, the faces of both the Virgin and Archangel Gabriel are sensitive and one can see the feelings written there; on Gabriel’s reassurance and on Mary’s humility and acceptance. One can see both reality and etherealism in Duccio’s portrayal of The Annunciation, which speaks most gloriously of the Blessed Event, in which the birth of Jesus Christ was heralded in by the Virgin’s obedient words, “Be it done unto me according to Thy word.”
