The foreground is structured not simply as an announcement but as a colloquy between the two figures. Gabriel's scroll contains his words to Mary, ave [maria] gracia [pl]ena dominus [tecum], "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee" (Luke 1:28). Mary's reply is in the book on her lap, Ec[c]e ancil[l]a Domini fiat mich[i secundum verbum tuum] (Luke 1:38).
Instead of the usual architectural devices to separate Gabriel and Mary, the artist has placed between them the traditional vase of flowers and a large mandorla with the
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