7
16th-Century German Sculpture of St. Anne & Mary
Estimate:
$2,000 - $3,000
Sold
$1,200
Live Auction
Sacred Statues: Gothic to Baroque 14th-17th C
Description
This 16th-century polychrome wood sculpture, attributed to the German School, is a striking representation of Saint Anne instructing the young Virgin Mary, a devotional theme that gained prominence in Late Gothic Christian art. During the Late Gothic period (c. 14th-16th century), wooden polychrome sculpture flourished in German-speaking regions, particularly in religious settings such as churches and private chapels.
This sculpture captures a devotional composition depicting Saint Anne as the instructor of Mary, a subject widely venerated in Germany and the Low Countries. Unlike the Anna Selbdritt motif, which includes the Christ Child alongside Mary and Anne, this two-figure representation emphasizes Saint Anne's role in educating her daughter in scripture and faith. This sacred motif symbolizes the transmission of divine wisdom from mother to daughter, reinforcing Mary's spiritual and intellectual preparation for her role as the Mother of Christ.
The sculpture's expressive realism, deeply carved drapery, and solemn facial expressions are hallmarks of the Swabian or Bavarian Late Gothic tradition, possibly linked to workshops influenced by Michel Erhart (Ulm), Hans Leinberger (Landshut), or Gregorius Erhart (Augsburg). These sculptors were known for their naturalistic facial features, softly flowing drapery, and masterful polychrome techniques, all of which are evident in this piece. Remnants of the original polychrome and gilding are still visible, with traces of red, green, black, and gold pigments accentuating the folds of the garments and facial details.
The sculpture remains structurally sound, retaining a rich patina with areas of age-related wear consistent with its 16th-century origin. Its freestanding design suggests it was likely intended for an altar setting, private chapel, or devotional niche.
Artist: German School
Issued: Circa 1500
Dimensions: 13"L x 13.50"W x 38.50"H
Country of Origin: Germany
Provenance: John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
This sculpture captures a devotional composition depicting Saint Anne as the instructor of Mary, a subject widely venerated in Germany and the Low Countries. Unlike the Anna Selbdritt motif, which includes the Christ Child alongside Mary and Anne, this two-figure representation emphasizes Saint Anne's role in educating her daughter in scripture and faith. This sacred motif symbolizes the transmission of divine wisdom from mother to daughter, reinforcing Mary's spiritual and intellectual preparation for her role as the Mother of Christ.
The sculpture's expressive realism, deeply carved drapery, and solemn facial expressions are hallmarks of the Swabian or Bavarian Late Gothic tradition, possibly linked to workshops influenced by Michel Erhart (Ulm), Hans Leinberger (Landshut), or Gregorius Erhart (Augsburg). These sculptors were known for their naturalistic facial features, softly flowing drapery, and masterful polychrome techniques, all of which are evident in this piece. Remnants of the original polychrome and gilding are still visible, with traces of red, green, black, and gold pigments accentuating the folds of the garments and facial details.
The sculpture remains structurally sound, retaining a rich patina with areas of age-related wear consistent with its 16th-century origin. Its freestanding design suggests it was likely intended for an altar setting, private chapel, or devotional niche.
Artist: German School
Issued: Circa 1500
Dimensions: 13"L x 13.50"W x 38.50"H
Country of Origin: Germany
Provenance: John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
Condition
Age related wear. The holy book exhibits missing wooden sections on its corners and scattered areas, along with a loss of polychromy.