The Annunciation

This very small panel is probably the most completely Venetian of his paintings, and, almost certainly, was finished shortly before leaving for Rome at the end of 1570. With its comparatively robust figures and the perspective of its pavement sharply receding into the background, it provides a good contrast with his later Spanish works. The Annunciation was one of the themes most in harmony with his genius, inspiring some of his most splendid paintings. A much larger version, often thought of as his finest interpretation of this subject was carried out as part of the series for the Colegio de Doña María, Madrid, and appears to have been the central painting of the retable of the high altar.