The Annunciation is a painting by Fra Filippo Lippi hung in the Martelli Chapel in the left transept of the Basilica di San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy.

The patron for this piece was notably Niccolò Martelli, a rich Florentine citizen who supported the reconstruction of the basilica and other parts of town.

The painting is considered the first known example of a squared altarpiece, without any traditional gothic decoration like pinnacles or cusps, in order to better match the simple architecture of the church, by Brunelleschi.

It uses a geometrical perspective to show a complex architecture including several edifices and an open loggia.

Under this red drape they wear light grey outfits tied around their waists by a rope.

Their robes are all shown with very exaggerated drapery and wrinkles, which gives this piece depth and adds movement to the figures.

The position of this vase creates a straight vertical line with the palm of Mary's hand.

The buildings and architecture have a great level of realism in this painting, but the figures' faces aren't extremely realistic.

When Lippi was a member of the Order of Carmelites, it is told by Vasari[clarification needed] that he was captured by barbarian pirates during his travels.