Why is this painting semi-circular? | Fra Filippo Lippi's 'Annunciation' | National Gallery

Curatorial Fellow Nicholas Flory takes a look at the details in Fra Filippo Lippi's painting of the Archangel Gabriel with Mary and explores the surprising location for where this painting might have been hung.
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[@user-wk1mw9nj3i76]

This was a most interesting talk about the painting. Very well done by the presenter, Nicholas Flory. Such a beautiful painting, exquisite.

[@nationalgallery]

Thank you so much!

[@mcsquare4439]

I wrote an essay on this painting last year. It's one of those gems in art where the more you look at it the more you've fallen in love with it.

[@nationalgallery]

A wonderful subject of study! Thanks for your comment.

[@v.ra.]

Very competently presented. Good work 👏

[@pattersondsmccd]

The National Gallery is lucky to have such a wonderful curatorial fellow in Mr. Flory: a natural communicator who knows how to teach with clarity and passion. I learned so much. Thank you from California!

[@nationalgallery]

And thank YOU for this lovely comment from here in London.

[@zoemahon4749]

Very informative and left me feeling that I had actually learned something. Thanks.

[@S.Z.U.]

Quite agree

[@nationalgallery]

We're glad to hear it, Zoe!

[@leoperarm]

thanks for continuing to upload good, straightforward, informative videos such as this - suitable for everyone

[@helveticaification]

Very interesting, and an excellent preparation for viewing the art in person, but without the company of an informative personal guide.

[@nationalgallery]

We hope to see you in the Gallery soon to have a closer look at the painting!

[@pattersondsmccd]

Also: the videography and editing is so good. I loved the close-ups and many small touches that really helped me understand.

[@christianfrommuslim]

Excellent detail, well-presented regarding beautiful and significant art.

[@ginacrusco234]

Fabulously compelling discussion. I had never before seen the dove's flight depicted in circular eddies of air and light, nor the connection of its light with the virgin's womb.

[@purkaitsurajit53]

Florentine artworks are absolutely magnificent!! Full of symbolism and inner meaning, they continue to fascinate us even to this very day!! This painting too is no different. Many thanks to Mr. Nicholas Flory for explaining this outstanding artwork so beautifully and in such great detail!!🙏🙏😊😊❤❤

[@nationalgallery]

Our pleasure!

[@99thehighstreet69]

Fantastic film much enjoyed.Great explanations thankyou.

[@alessandramonteriggioni815]

Thank you Mr. Flory for mentioning Lucrezia Tornabouni and her possible involvement with this art. She is a fascinating person whom we don't know enough about. I understand there is some evidence of Lucrezia’s input in other artwork in the Medici Palace.

[@user-wc8gi7bp6q]

Great overview of and detective work on this beautiful work. Loved listening to this interesting talk. Thank you from Australia!

[@nationalgallery]

Thank you for watching!

[@ionutvalentinsimion8301]

Thanks
Greetings from Romania 🌲

[@sacredkinetics.lns.8352]

`
The National Gallery never disappoints.
👽 Thanks

[@loudspeakers3469]

Great video. Thanks!

[@nationalgallery]

Our pleasure!

[@mchjsosde]

Thank you

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

Seeing the hand of God makes me wonder if the papal blessing originates from a pope who had Dupuytren’s contracture, as seen in people such as Bill Nighy.

[@stevie-ray2020]

I'm quite certain that there exists a similar Annunciation painting by Fra Filippo Lippi that is rectangular instead of semi-circular, as I wrote an essay while at university comparing it with another artist's work on the same subject!
Would also totally agree that the shape was because of its intended position above a doorway!

[@user-bv9mq9yk8k]

I would like to know the meaning of an open door in the center of the picture. Your comments are intriguing and made us undestood that the picture has many contexts.

[@estherrosa4997]

❤

[@renater.540]

@2:16: If I'm not mistaken, the moment of conception is not only signalled by the golden light emanating from the spirit dove and Mary's womb, but by a tiny figure surrounded by an aureole IN Mary's womb. To my knowledge a fairly common depiction at that time. (Sometimes seen in the depiction of Mary's and Elizabeth's encounter, too.)
It would be interesting to see a close-up of this part of the painting to verify

[@LauraDelColBrown]

The angel also doesn't crush the grass he kneels on.