Annunciation to the Virgin 1550 - 1570

Marcello Venusti’s “Annunciation to the Virgin” is a 16th-century painting depicting the moment when the Angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and bear the Son of God. The painting, which is part of the Rijksmuseum collection, showcases a dramatic scene with a strong sense of realism, typical of the Mannerist style of painting. The composition is focused on the interaction between Mary and the angel, who gracefully descends from the heavens, while a dove representing the Holy Spirit hovers above. The artwork is notable for its rich colors, detailed rendering of the figures and their garments, and intricate depiction of the interior setting.