Who painted St. Anne?

St. Anne was painted by Michel Aubert in 1750.

Where can I see St. Anne?

St. Anne is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

St. Anne

St. Anne is a print by Michel Aubert. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Michel Aubert’s 1750 print on paper reproduces a composition originally painted by Peter Paul Rubens, portraying Saint Anne in a conventional devotional pose. The image shows the saint seated with a young girl, likely the Virgin Mary, on her lap, accompanied by a bearded man and flanked by cherubic figures holding a wreath.

Subject & Meaning

The central focus is Saint Anne, identified by her halo and matronly robes, emphasizing her role as the mother of the Virgin. The child’s book suggests instruction or piety, while the surrounding figures and gentle gestures convey a tranquil, reverent atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Aubert employed engraving techniques that render chiaroscuro through fine line work, creating contrasts of light and shadow that model the figures and suggest depth. The delicate handling of drapery and the soft rendering of the background foliage reflect the influence of Rubens’s baroque composition.

History & Provenance

The print was catalogued in Charles Le Blanc’s *Manuel de l’Amateur d’Estampes* (Paris, 1854‑1856), where it was mistakenly identified as Saint Catherine. This early reference provides a documented record of the work’s circulation among 19th‑century collectors.

Context

Rubens’s original composition, part of a broader tradition of Marian and saintly imagery, was frequently reproduced in print form to disseminate his devotional themes. Aubert’s version illustrates how such prints served both as study material for artists and as devotional objects for a wider audience.