DISCOVERART

Unknown artist

Saint Anne, the Virgin, and Child

n.d.
Engraving in black on cream laid paper
4.5 × 3.8 cm (1.8 × 1.5 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This tender family grouping—with Saint Anne, the mother of Mary, shielding her daughter and Jesus in her cloak— emphasizes Christ’s maternal line of descent from King David. The oval format of the engraving plate and the impression’s small size suggest it could have functioned as a devotional medallion, whether pasted onto a cardboard support as jewelry, slipped into a pocket or a hatband, or glued into a prayer book.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Unknown artist

Riders on Horseback in WoodsRiders on Horseback in WoodsTranquil Park SceneTranquil Park SceneSketchbook: Souvenir of NaplesSketchbook: Souvenir of NaplesCow Herd Driven to RiverCow Herd Driven to RiverMountain Town by Bridge Spanning RapidsMountain Town by Bridge Spanning RapidsNaples with VesuviusNaples with VesuviusShips in PortShips in PortGrotto SceneGrotto Scene

More like this

The Virgin and ChildHans Burgkmair, the elder — The Virgin and ChildThe Virgin Seated with the ChildHans Burgkmair — The Virgin Seated with the ChildSaint John the Baptist embracing the Christ Child who sits on the Virgin's knee, she is being crowned by angels, other saints at leftAnonymous, Italian, 16th century — Saint John the Baptist emMadonna Crowned by Two AngelsJan Wierix — Madonna Crowned by Two AngelsVirgin and Child with the Monkey (reverse copy)Albrecht Dürer — Virgin and Child with the Monkey (reverse cThe Beautiful Virgin of Ratisbon in a LandscapeAlbrecht Altdorfer (German, c. 1480–1538) — The Beautiful ViThe Holy Family Under the CanopyHans Sebald Beham — The Holy Family Under the CanopyThe Virgin with the Pear and Child on the BankHans Sebald Beham — The Virgin with the Pear and Child on thThe Virgin and Child on a Grassy BankHeinrich Aldegrever — The Virgin and Child on a Grassy BankSt. Anne (copy)Hans Baldung (called Hans Baldung Grien) — St. Anne (copy)Virgin and Child Under an ArchHans Burgkmair — Virgin and Child Under an ArchThe Virgin and Child Seated by the WallAlbrecht Dürer (German, 1471–1528) — The Virgin and Child Se