The Annunciation (recto); Faint View of Buildings (verso) 1472 - 1517

"The Annunciation," a pen and brown ink drawing, was created by Fra Bartolomeo, sometime before his death in 1517. During the Renaissance, religious narratives were frequently used to uphold specific social values, particularly around gender. Here, we see a representation of the Virgin Mary, a central figure in Christian theology. Her acceptance of the divine message is a pivotal moment, yet the composition also brings forth questions about agency and representation. Mary is kneeling, head bowed, in a posture of humility. This pose emphasizes the expectation of female submission during the time. The delicate lines and the intimacy of the sketch invite us to consider the emotional weight of this scene, both for the historical context and for how it resonates with contemporary discussions about female identity and power. The faint sketch of buildings on the back add another layer to the work as it highlights the everyday world that is about to be transformed by the annunciation. Ultimately, Bartolomeo's drawing prompts us to reflect on the complex interplay between religious narrative, gender, and the artist's own interpretation.