Artwork
Saint Joachim Embracing Saint Anna

Saint Joachim Embracing Saint Anna is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lucas van Leyden. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This engraving, created by Lucas van Leyden at the age of 18, is his earliest known work in the medium. It depicts an intimate scene between two figures in a wooded setting.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving shows Saint Joachim and Saint Anna embracing, a tender moment between the parents of the Virgin Mary. The scene is set in a serene, natural environment, emphasizing the emotional connection between the two figures.
Technique & Style
The dense, sharp lines used in the engraving create a sense of depth and realism, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing intricate details, such as the figures' clothing and the surrounding forest.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas van Leyden (1494 – 8 August 1533), was a Dutch painter and printmaker in engraving and woodcut. Lucas van Leyden was among the first Dutch exponents of genre painting and was a very accomplished engraver.
















