“The Annunciation to Manoah’s Wife,” an oil painting on canvas by the artist Tintoretto, created between 1555 and 1558, exemplifies the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. This religious painting measures 150 by 155 centimeters and is housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork depicts a biblical scene from the Book of Judges, where an angel appears to the wife of Manoah to foretell the birth of Samson. The angel, positioned on the right side of the canvas, loftily gestures towards Manoah’s wife, who is seated on the left, conveying a serene yet humble demeanor. The intense illumination emanating from the heavens accentuates the divine nature of the announcement. The contrasting dark and light areas within the painting underscore the dramatic tension inherent in the portrayal of this spiritual encounter. The foliage, animals, and distant landscape add depth and richness to the setting, capturing the viewer’s attention and enhancing the overall storytelling.