• Author: Mariotto Albertinelli
• Date: 1510
• Collection: PAINTING
• Technique: Oil on wood panel
• Dimensions: 385 x 250 cm (with frame)
• Inventory: Inv. 1890 n. 8643

The altarpiece was created by Mariotto Albertinelli for the Compagnia di San Zanobi, which gathered in the Florence Cathedral. The painter received payments between 1506 and 1511. In 1516, the members of the Compagnia decided to complete the decoration of the altar with two other paintings that were to accompany the Annunciation, depicting a Miracle of Saint Zanobi and the Translation of the body of Saint Zanobi by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio, which are also on display today in the Galleria dell’Accademia. The precise arrangement of the altarpiece remains unclear.

Mariotto could only begin to work on the Annunciation from 1508 onwards. In the painting, the influence exerted on the painter by Fra Bartolomeo, with whom Albertinelli had only formed an artistic partnership in the last months of that year, can clearly be appreciated. This is particularly evident in the depiction of the blessing God the Father, encircled by angels, set against soft pink clouds, and in the serene poses of the musical angels.

The majestic architectural backdrop against which the scene unfolds is the painter’s highest achievement in this field and reflects his interest in perspective architecture, also mentioned by Giorgio Vasari in his life of the artist. In this case, the elaborate spatial setting was based on a drawing by Raphael (Stockholm, National Museum) for a painting of the same subject. Albertinelli carefully added chiaroscuro to the impressive setting, praised by Vasari.