 The Virgin is in a frontal view ; directly behind her the red @-@ curtained bed acts as a framing device , similar to the traditional canopy @-@ of @-@ honor or baldachin . Unlike Memling 's predecessors whose Virgins are garbed in heavily jeweled and costly robes , the plain white shift she wears beneath a blue mantle is minimally jeweled at the hem and at the open neckline . A purple underdress peeks out at her neck and wrists , indicating her royal status . Mary seems neither surprised nor fearful at the announcement ; according to Blum the scene is rendered with a great sense of naturalism and successfully depicts " the transformation of Mary from girl to God @-@ bearer . " 
