Virgin and Child with Saint Anne 1510

Hans Schäufelein’s 1510 woodcut “Virgin and Child with Saint Anne” depicts a scene of intimate devotion. The Virgin Mary holds the Christ child on her lap as Saint Anne kneels in prayer, emphasizing the family bond and the sanctity of Christ. The precise hatching and linear details of the woodcut contribute to its solemn tone. The architectural setting and landscape elements suggest an Italianate Renaissance influence, which was gaining popularity in Northern Europe during Schäufelein's career. This work exemplifies the artist's mastery of the woodcut medium, conveying religious narratives with a sense of depth and visual impact.