Carlo Crivelli – The Annunciation, with Saint Emidius Part 1 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a complex architectural setting, meticulously rendered in perspective. Here we observe two distinct spaces connected by an arched doorway, each defined by elaborate decorative elements and bathed in differing light conditions. The foreground is dominated by a richly ornamented loggia, its ceiling adorned with intricate patterns and a potted plant from which a peacock emerges. This bird, traditionally associated with Christ through its supposed resemblance to the Holy Shroud, introduces a layer of symbolic meaning.
Within this loggia, a kneeling figure in green robes gestures towards another individual who appears to be descending from above. The second figure is surrounded by a radiant light emanating from an unseen source beyond the depicted architecture. Their garments are vibrant and detailed, contrasting with the subdued tones of the woman’s attire. A small table beside her holds fruit – apples and pears – which carry connotations of temptation and knowledge.
Beyond the arched doorway, another architectural space unfolds, revealing a distant figure standing in what appears to be a courtyard or garden. The receding perspective creates depth within the scene, drawing the viewers eye further into the narrative. A man dressed in red stands near a tower, seemingly observing the events unfolding in the foreground.
The overall effect is one of deliberate staging and symbolic density. The artist has constructed an environment that transcends a simple depiction of an event; it functions as a visual allegory. The architectural details are not merely decorative but contribute to the narratives complexity, suggesting themes of divine intervention, humility, and perhaps even worldly observation. The inclusion of the peacock and fruit adds layers of symbolic meaning, inviting contemplation beyond the surface level representation. The inscriptions at the bottom further suggest a connection to civic or religious virtues – Libertas and Ecclesiastica.