“The Annunciation,” by Tintoretto, is an oil painting on canvas created between 1583 and 1587. This grand artwork, measuring 422 by 545 centimeters, exemplifies the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement and portrays a religious theme. It is housed at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice, Italy.
The artwork depicts the Biblical scene of the Annunciation, where the archangel Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary to announce that she will bear the Son of God. Gabriel, surrounded by cherubs, appears to descend from heaven on the left side of the painting, enveloped in dynamic motion and light. The angel points toward Mary, who is seated in a humble interior setting on the right. She looks startled and grasps her chest, as a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, shines brightly above her head. The artwork presents a contrast between the chaotic, darkened background of dilapidated structures and the illuminated, serene scene of the divine encounter, capturing the dramatic essence characteristic of Tintoretto’s style.