Title page and 59 engravings after mainly Venetian paintings published by Teodoro Viero, from the Raccolta di Opere Scelte, 2nd ed., publ. Venice, 1786. The majority of the plates are by Le Febvre, s. Maniago, A. Zucchi, and P. Monaco. This image depicts the miraculous conception of Christ known as the Annunciation of the Virgin. Kneeling on the ground, the Virgin (the mother of Christ) is surprised by the supernatural apparition of an angel. The winged angel Gabriel delivers the news of Mary’s miraculous pregnancy with Christ. Clouds of dust gather around Gabriel’s feet to emphasise his rapid flight from heaven. Note the small details of the partridge and a wicker sewing basket beside the Virgin. Birds, plants, and sewing instruments were used by painters to symbolise the Virgin’s purity. The engraving is based upon a Venetian painting of The Annunciation by the Renaissance master Titian.