Annunciation

The "Annunciation" scene, by Master Jerzy operating in Krakow at the beginning of the 16th century, was the central part of the triptych from the collegiate church of St. Michał on the Wawel Hill. The painting remained on Wawel until its discovery in 1802 by Princess Izabela Czartoryska.
In the picture, the artist combined the tradition of medieval painting with attempts to introduce innovation. Using a golden background and a hieratic perspective, he was closer to the Gothic painting, introducing the landscape, elements of still life and antiquizing column – closer to modernity.
A dove of the Holy Spirit hovers over Maria's head. A figure of a small Jesus with a cross on his shoulder flows down throught the golden rays in the Mary direction, indicating the announcement of a future passion.
Other elements of the composition also have meaning. The white of the flowers symbolizes the purity of Mary, the yarn can be an allusion to her temple curtain, while the hourglass and unlit candle can be read as a sign of the New Light that will appear with the arrival of the Savior.
The whole is complemented by a small figure of the adoring founder - canon Jakub Monopedes.