Annunciation c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have Federico Barocci's "Annunciation," housed here at Harvard. The etching technique creates a rather dramatic effect with the stark contrasts. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The dynamism is achieved through the contrast of light and shadow, yes, but also the implied lines of force connecting the figures. Note the angel's gesture and gaze leading to Mary, and then to the dove, creating a visual circuit. How does that structure affect your understanding? Editor: It gives it a sense of swirling action despite being a still image. It's as if the scene is captured mid-motion, giving an ephemeral quality. Curator: Precisely. Barocci masterfully uses formal elements to imbue a sense of the miraculous into the everyday. It exemplifies how structure dictates content. Editor: That's fascinating, thank you! I will definitely think about structure in this way from now on.