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Image scanned/or photographed from transparency and color corrected by Pat Cagney.
Virgin and Child with Saint Anne
Image scanned/or photographed from transparency and color corrected by Pat Cagney.
Image scanned/or photographed from transparency and color corrected by Pat Cagney.

Virgin and Child with Saint Anne

Artist Unknown
Datemid 1400s
MediumWood | Polychrome
DimensionsOverall: 34 1/2 in. (87.6 cm)
ClassificationsEuropean art
Credit LineGift of Dr. Lillian Malcove
Object number55.50.11
Terms
  • Religion
  • Mary
  • Christ child
  • Saints
  • Gold
  • Red
  • Green
  • Unknown
  • Rhein Area
  • France
On View
On view
DescriptionThis carved polychrome sculpture depicting the infant on the right hand and a young girl on the left, being held by St. Anne. Mary holds a book with the infant's hand resting on the open page; back of Anne hollowed. Index finger on the child is lacking; this figure has been extensively restored, hole in top of head lacks halo, face of Mary restored, and garment flanking. Anne's gilt over cloak chipped and scarred; right foot red garment extensively restored, worn in head and chest and bosom; green base restored.

Label TextVirgin and Child with Saint Anne, mid 1400s Rhenish, Cologne Wood This sweetly disarming work represents three generations of the extended family of Jesus. The Virgin’s mother, Saint Anne, cradles both her daughter and grandson, Jesus, in her arms. The medieval cult of Saint Anne celebrated her role as Mary’s virtuous, nurturing forbearer, and works like this one honor her as the matronly guardian of the entire Holy Family. Such warmly familial images reflect a new emphasis on the human nature of Christ and his saintly relatives. Gift of Lillian Malcove 55.50.11
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