Bernardo CAVALLINO
Neopolitan 1616-1656
The Virgin Annunciate
c.1645-50
oil on canvas mounted on wood panel
85.5 x 70.0 cm
Felton Bequest 1968
1829-5

This half length figure of a woman is identified as the Virgin by her traditional costume of a white veil, rose coloured dress and blue mantle (the colour of the mantle has altered over time but there are still traces of blue pigment). She is seated with her arms crossed in a pose of humility, which is associated with the Annunciation. It is thought that this was a companion piece to a now lost painting of the Archangel Gabriel.