Cavalcanti Annunciation, Stone sculpture in Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy.
The Cavalcanti Annunciation is a stone sculpture in pietra serena stone housed in the Basilica of Santa Croce that reaches 218 centimeters in height and 168 centimeters in width. It depicts the biblical scene between Angel Gabriel and Mary within an architecturally framed composition.
The work was created by Donatello between 1433 and 1435 during a period of intense artistic innovation in Renaissance Florence. This timeframe marked a turning point in Florentine sculpture and the development of new artistic techniques.
The work displays Roman architectural elements such as fluted pilasters with decorated capitals and a tympanum arch that frames the central religious scene. These architectural details create a frame that highlights the depiction of Angel Gabriel and Mary.
The sculpture is located in the south aisle of the basilica, specifically in the sixth chapel area near the Cavalcanti altar. It is easy to reach and visible from various points within the church.
During restoration work between 1994 and 1995, it was discovered that the sculpture was originally painted white to imitate marble. Gold highlights from this original paint layer remain visible today.
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