Feast of the Annunciation!
Today, March 25, Catholics celebrate the day Mary receives a startling announcement: “The Divine is Within You!”
It comes from the Angel Gabriel, who swoops in to tell this virgin she is pregnant with the Son of God…nine months before Christmas.
Florentines felt so connected to Mary that they traditionally celebrated their New Year on March 25. And Venetians chose the day to officially establish their Republic.
Italian Renaissance painters loved interpreting the action packed scene, capturing a moment when a young woman’s life is forever changed…and Mary humbly accepts her destiny.
Fra Angelico’s painting above, from San Marco in Florence, is the most famous artistic interpretation of the event…
Here are some more favorites…Leonardo DaVinci’s painted when he was just 26…
Sandro Botticelli’s…
Filippo Lippi’s…
Raphael’s…
Antonella da Messina’s, who painted his without the angel, from Sicily’s Galleria Regionale…
Titian’s…the Venetian Renaissance…
If you’re in Florence today, there’s a big parade, music in the streets, and feasting, of course.
All of us are celebrating in some way these first days of spring…the possibilities…More Sun, More Light!
Golden Days in Italy 
I have a special place in my heart for Fra Angelico’s frescoes in San Marco, especially The Annunciation. Thank you for a beautiful post, Susan!
I love going to San Marco–it’s always practically empty…and this painting as you ascend the steps…
So lovely, Susan – thanks for sharing! I seek out Annunciations whenever we travel, and have a little jewel of a book featuring them, purchased in Siena. Grazie-
Anne
Beautiful to hear Anne! I would love to see that collection…maybe we should start an Annunciation Collector’s Club!