Artwork
Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child
Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This stone sculpture portrays Saint Anne alongside her daughter, the Virgin Mary, who holds the Christ Child.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows Saint Anne seated with the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, a composition that emphasizes the three‑generation lineage central to Christian devotion. In this iconography, Saint Anne functions as the matriarch who bridges the Old Testament promise and the New Testament fulfillment, symbolizing maternal guidance and the continuity of sacred history. The work, classified as religious art and dated to around 1500, was created by an anonymous hand and is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, underscoring its significance within the museum’s collection of devotional paintings.
History & Provenance
Following its execution, the piece entered the museum’s collection, where it has been displayed in the European paintings galleries since its acquisition.
The painting Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child is dated to 1500, reflecting its creation at the turn of the 16th century. It is classified as a religious work and was produced by an anonymous artist, as recorded in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s catalogue (accession 55.26). Following its execution, the piece entered the museum’s collection, where it has been displayed in the European paintings galleries since its acquisition.
No earlier ownership records are documented, suggesting a direct transfer from the artist’s workshop to the museum, though the precise commission circumstances remain unspecified.
The painting Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child, created circa 1500 by an anonymous artist, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Within the museum's holdings, the work is identified by the accession number 55.26. The institution serves as both the current owner and the physical location of the artwork.
While the available records confirm its classification as a religious painting depicting Saint Anne, the Virgin, and Child, and note its height of 128.3 centimeters, the provided sources do not contain specific details regarding its exhibition history or loan record.
Overview
This stone sculpture portrays Saint Anne alongside her daughter, the Virgin Mary, who holds the Christ Child. The work exhibits considerable age, evidenced by visible signs of wear, yet it retains a strong presence. Its execution reflects a high degree of artistic proficiency, suggesting it was created by a highly capable artisan. The piece serves as a devotional representation, embodying a significant narrative within Christian iconography.
Technique & Style
Carved from stone, the sculpture demonstrates a sophisticated command of the medium. The artist meticulously rendered intricate details, particularly evident in Saint Anne's drapery and facial features. This careful attention to form and texture underscores the sculptor's technical skill and artistic vision.
Despite the passage of time and resultant surface wear, the underlying craftsmanship remains discernible, contributing to the work's enduring artistic value.
Artist & collection
