s The Annunciation - Hull Museums Collections

The Annunciation

Francesco Maffei is one of the most important 17th century Venetian painters, whose style carried on the great dramatic and painterly tradition of Tintoretto (1518-94) and Bassano (c.1510/18-92). His subjects range from richly decorative allegorical portraits to mythological scenes, often influenced by contemporary opera settings, and imbued with a note of mystery or bizarre fantasy. The Annunciation is from Maffei's later period when his works were characterised by moving religious scenes. Originally painted for the chapel of St. Peter Martyr in Padua, Maffei’s Annunciation makes an interesting comparison with Philippe de Champaigne's (1602-74) version of a similar period, also at the Ferens. Whereas Champaigne's painting is still and intense, Maffei's altarpiece is full of the movement and drama typical of the Italian Baroque. This is best seen in the spiralling body of the Angel Gabriel, a shape repeated in the twisted folds of drapery behind the Virgin Mary.