Anna te Drieën 1671

This is an engraving titled ‘Anna te Drieën’ made in Amsterdam in 1641 by an anonymous artist. The artwork presents Saint Anne with Mary and Jesus, and the three husbands of Anna are on the upper level, all on clouds. During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was experiencing its Golden Age, marked by unprecedented economic growth and cultural flourishing. However, this prosperity was built on complex social structures and religious beliefs, deeply embedded in the fabric of everyday life. Depictions of female saints reflected prevailing attitudes towards women's roles and virtues within society. Anna, as the mother of Mary, was seen as a matriarch, embodying ideals of motherhood, piety, and domesticity. The engraving, with its idealized portrayal of family and faith, perhaps offered solace and inspiration. It might have served as a reminder of the importance of familial bonds and religious devotion during times of change and uncertainty.