Architecture plays a key role. The richly decorated building that dominates the right side of the painting is there to create an enclosed space for the Virgin Mary, a room that keeps her separate and symbolises her purity.
Not even Gabriel enters this sacred area: he waits in the street. Only the ray of golden light that brings the Holy Spirit penetrates a specially designed opening in the building to make contact with Mary.
Crivelli has also given her room a door that opens onto the space occupied by the viewer, so we too are given a form of access to her.
