The Annunciation
by JANSSENS, Jan Willem, Oil on canvas, 258 x 222 cm
Rubens was not the only influential artist in the Low Countries in the 17th century. A significant number of artists clung on to the principles of realism, while also embracing the dramatic lighting effects of Caravaggio. One among them was Jan Janssens. His Annunciation is a pure example of Caravaggism characterized by simple, sharply outlined shapes and strong, theatrical lighting effects.