The Education of the Virgin 1530 - 1565

Jean Pénicaud II created "The Education of the Virgin" in the 16th century, using painted enamel on copper. Painted during the Renaissance, this piece reflects a period where religious subjects were often re-envisioned through a lens that valued learning and humanism. The image depicts Saint Anne instructing the Virgin Mary, a subject that speaks to the importance of female education, albeit within a religious framework. What does it mean to see Mary, typically revered, here as a student? Consider the role and status of women in the 16th century. While largely confined to domestic roles, images such as this offered a subtly powerful narrative of female intellect and influence. The emotional tenor of the piece asks us to reflect on the transmission of knowledge between women, and how such education shapes not only the individual but also their potential impact on society. This enamel painting then is not merely a religious scene, but an intimate portrayal of learning, legacy, and the quiet power of women's education.