Italian school (XVII) - Madonna Annunziata

Antique painting, oil on panel, dating from the 17th century, depicting the Madonna Annunziata.\n\nInteresting devotional painting portraying the Virgin Annunziata, executed in oil on panel and linked to the figurative culture developed around the models of Scipione Pulzone (Gaeta, ca. 1550 – Rome, 1598).\nThe composition presents the Virgin in half figure, with the head delicately inclined, the gaze lowered and the characteristic white veil over the blue mantle. The image derives from the fortunate model of the Virgin Annunziata by Scipione Pulzone, drawn from the famous Annunciation of 1587, from which the artist himself produced variants and replicas of only the Virgin figure, subsequently the subject of numerous derivations.\nParticularly significant is the presence, at the top, of the inscription “ECCE ANCILLA DOMINI” (“Behold the handmaiden of the Lord”), an evangelical formula directly referencing the Virgin’s response to the Annunciation and coherent with the iconographic identification of the figure as the Virgin Annunciata.\nThe painting thus appears not to be a generic representation of the Madonna, but rather the fortune and diffusion of devotional models of Pulzonean origin, through an autonomous reinterpretation of the Annunciata figure.\n\nThe work is presented in generally discrete condition, with evident signs of aging and previous restoration interventions. The painting surface shows widespread craquelure, particularly evident in the light areas of the flesh tones and the veil, as well as numerous retouchings and overpaintings, detectable also under ultraviolet light examination. The varnish is aged and altered, with deposits and inhomogeneities due to the layering of conservation treatments. The poplar wooden support, of notable thickness, shows slight warping of the panel, as well as marks, insect holes and wear consistent with its ancient conservation history. Also present are some irregularities and signs of old interventions on the back. Overall the work remains solid with a coherent historical patina, testifying to its authenticity and natural conservation evolution over time.\n\nThe painting is accompanied by a beautiful frame of classic taste but relatively recent period. Defects, losses and signs of time are noted, as well as restorations and reintegrations. The frame is included as a courtesy and does not constitute an integral part of the artwork; any damage to it will not be a reason for complaint or cancellation of the order.\n\nDimensions of the painting: 36.5 x 27 cm - Dimensions of the frame: 47 x 37.5 cm\n\nWork accompanied by a photographic certificate of authenticity, as required by current law.\n\nShipping with insured express courier and packaging carried out with the utmost care.