History of Western Art II
Analysis Paper The two images I chose for the analysis paper are Martini, Simone and Lippo Memmi, Annunciation with Saints Ansanus and Margherita (1333) and Brunelleschi, Filippo, Dome of Florence Cathedral (1420-36). The reason I chose these are because they relate to the Catholic religion in different ways. The Annunciation with Saints Ansanus and Margherita was the beginning of the Catholic art during the Gothic time period while the Dome of Florence Cathedral was not only a masterpiece of artwork it was also a breakthrough for the construction during that time and for the rest of history. The Annunciation with Saints Ansanus and Margherita is proclaimed to be one of the greatest if not the most magnificent art piece of the Gothic time period. This piece was originally created for the side alter in the Sienna Cathedral but after being passed on to many different Churches it is now located in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. In this piece the artist has placed a large amount of iconography into it. The Easiest hidden icon to distinguish is the lilies in the vase in the middle of the picture showing the purity of Mary. Along with the Lilies the artist also has the Archangel Rafael holding an olive branch which is the symbol of peace showing he means no harm to Mary. Lastly, the author also has the Holy Ghost coming down from Heaven surrounded by eight angels representing the Holy Spirit or God is coming into her. Along with all of the iconography there are many other unique characteristics of this picture. For example, it as Mary looking as if she is afraid or startled by the Archangel Raphael coming into her house where as in the majority of the other annunciation pictures Mary is almost welcoming Raphael into the building. Another significant characteristic of this picture is the architecture and