The Annunciation 

François Lemoyne painted The Annunciation, likely in France in the early 18th century, a time when the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture dictated artistic standards. The painting illustrates the biblical scene where the angel Gabriel informs Mary that she will conceive and bear the son of God. Gabriel's grand gesture and Mary's submissive pose are visual cues that reinforce the hierarchical structure of the Church. Lemoyne's style, characterized by its graceful forms and vibrant colors, reflects the Rococo movement favored by the French aristocracy. Yet, such religious paintings also served a public function. Displayed in churches or commissioned by wealthy patrons, they reinforced the moral and social values of the time. The study of Lemoyne's artistic training at the Académie, as well as the patronage networks supporting his work, can help us better understand the complex relationship between art, religion, and power in 18th-century France.