Artwork
Virgin and Child with Saint Anne (Anna Selbdritt)
Virgin and Child with Saint Anne (Anna Selbdritt) is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Defendente Ferrari. It dates from 1528 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Defendente Ferrari, an early sixteenth‑century painter from Piedmont, executed an oil composition in 1528 that brings together the Virgin Mary, the infant Christ, and Saint Anne. The trio is set within an interior that suggests a richly appointed church, with architectural elements that convey depth. The work is presently part of the Rijksmuseum’s holdings.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents the traditional ‘Anna Selbdritt’ motif, in which Saint Anne, the mother of Mary, is shown alongside her daughter and grandson. The figures are arranged in a calm, intimate grouping: Mary cradles the child, while Anne observes them from a neighboring seat, emphasizing familial devotion and the lineage of salvation.
Technique & Style
Ferrari employs oil glazing and a subtle chiaroscuro to model the figures, creating a warm, three‑dimensional presence. The handling of light across the drapery and architectural background reflects a transition toward Renaissance spatial awareness, while retaining lingering Gothic ornamental details.
History & Provenance
Created during a period when Piedmontese art was shifting from late Gothic conventions to early Renaissance ideas, the painting illustrates Ferrari’s role in that stylistic evolution. After remaining in private or regional collections for centuries, it entered the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s European paintings.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Defendente Ferrari (c. 1480/1485 – c. 1540) was an Italian painter active in Piedmont. His work marks the transition from late Gothic traditions to Renaissance art in the region.
