The Museo del Prado has various outstanding Italian paintings from the 15th century, such as The Death of the Virgin by Mantegna, acquired for Philip IV, The Annunciation by Fra Angelico, and Scenes from the Story of Nastagio degli Onesti by Botticelli. Also worthy of mention is Dead Christ held up by an Angel by Antonello da Messina, whose purchase in 1966 signified an important addition to the collection due to the work’s outstanding quality.

The 16th-century paintings include the outstanding Raphael collection, with celebrated compositions such as The Holy Family with a Lamb, The Holy Family with Raphael, Tobias and Saint Jerome, or the Virgin with a Fish and The Cardinal. The Venetian School, which is one of the great strengths of the Prado’s collection, includes an exceptional group of masterpieces by Titian including Emperor Carlos V on Horseback, The Offering of Venus, Danae receiving the Golden Rain, Venus and Adonis and the artist’s Self-portrait. Particularly notable works by Veronese are Venus and Adonis, Moses saved from the waters, and Christ with the Doctors in the Temple, while important works by Tintoretto include The Foot Washing and the seven paintings of Old Testament scenes purchased by Velázquez during his second Italian trip.

Other well represented Italian artists of this period are Correggio with the Noli me tangere, and Andrea del Sarto with The Virgin and Child between Saint Mathew and an Angel. The Prado also has important pantings by Parmigianino, Sebastiano del Piombo and the Bassano.