Restored in 1991 with funding from the Lila A. Lilly Foundation.

The Annunciation with Saint Michael and Saint Anthony was painted by Antonio Vivarini for the church of San Giobbe. Born around 1420 on the island of Murano in Venice, the artist maintained a large workshop of painters including his brother-in-law and frequent collaborator Giovanni d’Alemagna, and his younger brother and pupil, Bartolomeo Vivarini.

In the triptych of the Annunciation, the poses of the figures and the use of perspective conform to the Renaissance style that was emerging at this time. However, in his use of the gold background the artist maintained a Byzantine style, incorporating Gothic and Renaissance elements as well.

In the central panel, the gentle figure of the Angel Gabriel announces to the humbled Virgin Mary that she will bear the Christ Child as God the Father appears from above, dispatching the dove of the Holy Spirit to bring about the Incarnation. Surrounding the central panel are two smaller panels: one bears a representation of Saint Anthony of Padua, and the other Saint Michael, the warrior Archangel.

San Giobbe was a Franciscan church, and Saint Anthony of Padua was second only to Saint Francis in the hierarchy of the saints of the order; he was particularly venerated in Venice. He is depicted holding a lily, symbol of purity, and a book of scripture. The Archangel Michael wields his spear against the devil, who lies vanquished at his feet, and balances the scales of justice with his other hand.

The work was restored by conservator Ferruccio Volpin, with the guidance of project director Ettore Merkel of the Superintendency of Fine Arts of Venice.

For select projects, conservation dossiers in Italian containing limited textual and photographic documentation may be available for consultation by appointment at the Venice office of Save Venice and the Rosand Library & Study Center. For inquiries, please contact us at venice@savevenice.org.

Antonio Vivarini (active 1440–1476/84)
Annunciation with Saints Michael and Anthony
1460s, tempera on wood
180 x 185 cm

Chorus Association: Church of San Giobbe