MEMMI, Lippo
(b. ca. 1285, Siena, d. ca. 1361, Siena)

The Annunciation and Two Saints

1333
Tempera on wood, 184 x 210 cm
Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

The altarpiece was executed between 1329 and 1333 for the chapel of Sant'Ansano of the Cathedral in Siena by Simone Martini and his brother-in-law Lippo Memmi, to whom are attributed the two lateral figures: Saint Ansano - patron of Siena - and Saint Giulitta. On the gold background the figures of Angel Gabriel and the Virgin enhances Gothic line, without narrative details: just the central pot with lilies, symbolizing Mary's purity, and the olive branch. The golden relief inscription starting from the Angel's mouth contains beginning words of the Annunciation.