The Annunciation

Arthur Hughes

Date: c. 1858

Materials: Oil on canvas

Inspired by 'The Germ' and by meeting the Pre-Raphaelites as a student at the Royal Academy Schools, Hughes matured quickly as a painter.

Despite being an obvious pair, 'The Nativity' was accepted but 'The Annunciation' rejected for the Royal Academy in 1858. 'The Annunciation' certainly has weaknesses in drawing and composition, and perhaps also displays the artist's habit, as described by Ruskin, of "indulging too much in his chief delight of colour".