The Annunciation is an often repeated subject in Art History, especially in Renaissance paintings. Over the years, certain iconographic devices were developped for this scene, basing on the Holy Scripture and apocryhic texts.* In the Gospel of Luke, Archangel Gabriel announces virgin Maria the birth of Jesus Chris. The Angel on Botticellis canvas is kneeling in front of Maria and demonstrates by that Maria's divine status. He is holding white lilies which symbolize virginity. Maria is also demonstrating humility by showing her palms, lowering her eyes and taking a bow.
Maria is just standing in front of an opened book, as said in the Apocrypha, she is reading Psalms. Her garments are blue and red, the colours of God and Jesus.
I thought using watercolour was a good way to pick important colours. It seemed to me quite interesting drawing the Virgin Mother with a ballpoint pen because of the contrast of a sublime subjet and rough elaboration. I was inspired by the drawings of Conrad Keely, singer of ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead (his works are incredible!). And damn, it was tough! It‘s obvious why, you can‘t correct any mistake. I got really (really!) angry about every wrong line and unfortunately Maria's hands are now too small and not everything is at it‘s best (yes, seems as if I was a little perfectionist :) ).
* texts that haven‘t been affiliated to the biblic canon
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen