Artwork
Saint Anne and the Virgin with the Child
Saint Anne and the Virgin with the Child is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. It dates from 1512 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1512 woodcut, Saint Anne and the Virgin with the Child, is a print by Lucas Cranach the Elder, a skilled artist in both woodcut and engraving techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a traditional Catholic scene: Saint Anne, the Virgin Mary, and the Christ Child. The calm demeanor of the figures conveys a serene atmosphere, characteristic of the subject matter.
Technique & Style
The woodcut features sharp, clean lines that allow for detailed rendering of the figures. Cranach's expertise in woodcut is evident in the print's clarity and precision.
Context
As court painter to the Electors of Saxony, Cranach engaged with religious themes, which he later adapted to align with Lutheran ideas. This print reflects his early work in this context.
History & Provenance
Cranach used woodcuts to disseminate religious images widely, making his art accessible to a broad audience. This print is an example of his prolific output in this medium.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving.
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