Fra Angelico, Annunciation

Fra Angelico, Annunciation, 1438-1447, Early Italian Renaissance

1) The usual symbols for annunciation (such as Mary's lilies, olive branch, or book) are not shown as the main audience for this painting was monks, who did not need the indication

2) Showed a dual nature of style: a return to the rich Byzantine tradition modernized by the usage of perspective

3) The background is set in the monastery of San Marco, likely intended to help the monks connect to their spirituality