TIZIANO Vecellio
(b. 1490, Pieve di Cadore, d. 1576, Venezia)

Polyptych of the Resurrection: Archangel Gabriel

1522
Oil on canvas
Santi Nazaro e Celso, Brescia

The detail shows the Angel of the Annunciation.

The Archangel Gabriel (top left panel of the polyptych of the Resurrection) appears to be rushing in from the left, his garments streaming behind him. He spreads his greeting out on a banderole, which he is holding out to Mary on the opposite panel. His right hand, part of the banderole, his wings and the fluttering ends of his belt are all cut off by the edge of the picture. This creates the impression that the almost square panel is much too small to contain the magnificent figure of the angel. This artistic trick enables Titian to intensify the sense of tension and dynamics of the painting.