The Annunciation
Girolamo da Santa Croce
Italian (Venetian School), 1480/1485–1556
The Annunciation
1540s–1550
Oil on wood panel
Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation
Girolamo combined different sources to create this Annunciation. The central scene is a faithful recreation of a now lost masterpiece by Titian painted in 1537 for Queen Isabella of Spain. Girolamo included the banners on the Pillars of Hercules with the Latin motto “PLVS ULTRA” (Onward!), which appears on the coat of arms of Spain. The scenes of the Holy Family on the left and the Crucifixion on the right are derived from other sources.