Artwork

Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin

Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin, by Jacopo Tintoretto, oil
Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin, by Jacopo Tintoretto, oil

Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin is an oil painting by Jacopo Tintoretto. It is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Together these visual cues convey the theological significance of the Annunciation as a pivotal moment of God’s incarnation and the fulfillment of prophecy.

The painting shows a celestial messenger in the moment of divine revelation, his outstretched hand and luminous presence embodying the announcement of the Incarnation. The figure’s white robes and radiant aura signal purity and heavenly authority, while the delicate gesture of offering a lily underscores themes of grace and virginity. Together these visual cues convey the theological significance of the Annunciation as a pivotal moment of God’s incarnation and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting executed on canvas, a technique typical of Venetian Renaissance practice. The composition centers on a single angel announcing the Virgin Mary's divine conception, rendered with luminous color and delicate drapery that emphasize ethereal movement. The formal balance of the figure against the darkened interior space creates a dramatic chiaroscuro effect, while the painterly brushwork preserves the texture of the canvas beneath the thin layers of pigment.

History & Provenance

The work titled Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin was created by Jacopo Tintoretto in 1600 as an oil painting on canvas. Its inception is recorded between 1550 and 1600, with dimensions specified as 115 cm in height and 93 cm in width. The painting entered the collection of Otto Lanz and Anna Theresia Elisabeth Lanz-Willi, later passing to Hans Posse, before being held by institutions including the Rijksmuseum, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Stichting Nederlands Kunstbezit, the Führermuseum, and the Munich Central Collecting Point.

It remains part of the broader corpus of religious art attributed to Tintoretto, reflecting the devotional themes characteristic of the period.

Overview

Created circa 1600, this oil painting by the Venetian artist Jacopo Tintoretto portrays a solitary angel in the moment of the Annunciation. The figure occupies a darkened space, its wings unfurled and arms extended in a gesture of proclamation. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies Tintoretto’s late‑career output, when his compositions grew increasingly theatrical.

Context

Tintoretto’s late works often embraced Mannerist tendencies, favoring complexity and theatricality over the balanced harmony of the High Renaissance. This painting reflects that shift, with its exaggerated gestures, elongated forms, and intense emotional charge. It aligns with the broader Counter‑Reformation emphasis on dramatic visual narratives designed to inspire devotion.

Angel of the Annunciation
Angel of the Annunciation, Fra Angelico

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacopo Tintoretto

Artist

Jacopo Tintoretto

Jacopo Robusti (late September or early October 1518 – 31 May 1594), best known as Tintoretto ( TIN-tə-RET-oh; Italian:; Venetian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter of the Venetian school.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin?

Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin was painted by Jacopo Tintoretto in 1600-01-01.

Where can I see Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin?

Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin is held by Rijksmuseum.

Can I buy a print of Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin?

Museum-quality prints of Angel from the Annunciation to the Virgin are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.