The artwork titled “Annunciation (study)” was created by Michelangelo in 1547 in Rome, Italy. This piece, composed with chalk on paper, belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement and serves as a sketch and study genre. It is currently housed in the British Museum, located in London, UK.
The artwork is a preparatory sketch, depicting an intimate and expressive scene associated with the biblical Annunciation. The figures, rendered with flowing, dynamic strokes, exhibit the artist’s mastery in conveying emotion and movement through minimalistic yet intricate detailing. The subdued monochromatic palette and raw texture emphasize the preliminary nature of the work, inviting viewers to appreciate the process of artistic creation. The ethereal presence of the angel, juxtaposed with the contemplative form of the other figure, captures a moment of divine encounter, characteristic of Michelangelo’s profound interpretive skill during the Manneristic period.
