These two monumental statues, actually two high reliefs, depicting the Annunciation, come from the tabernacles located on the sides of the tympanum of the so-called Bell Tower Door, on the southern side of the Cathedral. The Marian theme of the decoration recurs in all seven tympanums of the portals of the Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore.

The sculptures were made at different times and by two different sculptors: the Madonna was attributed to Giovanni di Balduccio and was carved in the seventh decade of the fourteenth century, but remained in the Opera's deposits for a certain period, until in 1379-1380 one sculptor identified with Jacopo di Piero Guidi did not create the announcing angel as a companion and both figures were placed above the portal.

The figure of the angel makes an opposite, advancing movement, with his right hand blessing and his other hand holding the edge of his long, finely embroidered dress. He has an ephebic appearance, his hair is tied back and his expression is marked by contemplative amazement. The figure of Mary is also regal in appearance, wearing a long cloak and a crown and a string in her belly which alludes to her virginity. Her figure has a rapid and vibrant, disturbed rhythm, very different from the quiet harmony of the angel and of opposite movement. She sways as she withdraws and has a questioning expression, with one hand she seems to point to herself and with the other she holds a page of a book, traditionally the Holy Scripture, marking with her finger. The sculptor captured the moment of initial disturbance of the Virgin at the words of the angel described in the Gospel of Luke.