Annunciation

Annunciation, c. 1534-1535

oil on canvas
Pinacoteca Civica, Recanati

Most contemporary paintings of the Annunciation depict Mary calmly accepting the angel's announcement that she will bear the son of God. Lotto emphasized instead her anxious state of mind. Like her skittish cat, Mary turns away from the angel and almost recoils in fear. Lotto's highly original and sympathetic approach to the subject has made this painting one of his best-known works.