bolizes the joy of the angelic figures. De Zurbaran uses warm colors in the foreground. The room, used as the background for the scene, is painted in dark colors utilizing different hues of gray and brown.An observer can also obtain a sense of texture in this painting. The Angel appears to have feathery wings, smooth skin, and soft hair. Drapes that hang above Mary have a full and defined feel to them. The green tablecloth on the small table in front of Mary has an implied silky texture. The cloud by the cherubs has a soft, pillow – like appearance. The prevalence of texture supports De Zurbaran’ s use of realism in this painting. Comprehension of the principles of design used in The Annunciation allows a greater appreciation for the painting. The five principles of design include balance, emphasis and focal point, unity and variety, proportion and scale, and rhythm. Balance and emphasis and focal point are the predominant principles used by Francisco de Zurbaran. The painting appears asymmetrically balanced, which means that the two sides of the picture are not exact likenesses but seem to balance due to similar visual weight. The Angel on the left and Mary on the right are similar in size. Both figures face towards the center of the picture but are separated by a raised step that Mary is kneeling on. The reddish – pink colored curtain hanging on the right side balances the cloud on the left side. A green scarf worn by the Angel and the green tablecloth also provide similar visual weight. An open door in the background at the center of the room seems to create an invisible line down the center of the painting.De Zurbaran’ s use of focal point and emphasis is easily identified in this painting. The main focal point is the two figures, the Virgin Mary and the Angel. This emphasis is created through the use of light. The secondary focal point is the angelic figures on the cloud above the Angel an...
