The Annunciation is an oil painting by the Early Netherlandish master Jan van Eyck, painted around 1434–1436. Originally on panel, the work was transferred to canvas in the 19th century. It is thought to have been the left (inner) wing of a triptych, although there have been no sightings of the other wings since before 1817. The painting depicts the biblical scene of the Annunciation, in which the Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the son of God. The inscription shows his words: AVE GRA PLENA ('Hail, full of grace'). She modestly draws back and responds, ECCE ANCILLA DNI ('Behold the handmaiden of the Lord'); these words appear upside down. The Annunciation is now in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.Painting credit: Jan van Eyck