Annunciazione, 1526 - Jesi
Annunciation, 1526
Musei Civici di Palazzo Pianetti, Jesi

The two paintings were part of a triptych the central part of which representing St. John on Patmos went missing during the Napoleonic era. The powerfully built archangel Gabriel is represented gliding to the ground after his flight and his physicality is reiterated by a shadow cast on the floor and by his clothes which came apart during his flight. Just as if it were a photograph, Lotto caught the instance just before the angel touched the ground. The angel is illuminated by a curve of light which gives the picture a circular motion, from left to right, and pushes the winged figure forward, while the virgin, who is hit by a gust of wind, pulls herself backwards.