Annunciation (detail)
by LEONARDO da Vinci, Oil and tempera on wood
The detail shows the angel annunciating.
The archangel Gabriel is kneeling as a dignified profile figure and raising his right hand in greeting to Mary, indicating her divine pregnancy. He has a solid corporeity, suggested by his shadow on the grass, and the folds of his clothing, which would seem to show studies from real life. His wings too are based on those of a mighty bird of prey.