Annunciation in an Initial M 1307 - 1318

The "Annunciation in an Initial M" was painted by Maestro Daddesco in the 14th century. The letter ‘M’ is structured around a palette of soft pinks, deep blues, and touches of gold. These colors create a harmonious yet contrasting visual rhythm. The composition divides the scene into two distinct spatial realms. On the left, the angel Gabriel kneels, rendered in warm hues, while on the right, the Virgin Mary stands in contemplative stillness, draped in cooler tones. Notice how the artist used the vertical stroke of the initial to separate and connect these figures, emphasizing the dialogue between the divine messenger and the human recipient. Daddesco employs a semiotic language through color and form. The gold leaf, for example, does not just illuminate; it signifies divinity and the sacred nature of the event. This work challenges fixed meanings through the use of symbolic representation, inviting viewers to question the boundaries between the earthly and the divine.