Virgin and Child with St Anne and St John the Baptist

The drawing is notable for its complex composition.

The knees and the feet of the figures establish a strong up-and-down rhythm at a point in the composition where a firm foundation comprising firmly planted feet, widely spread knees and broad spread of enclosing garment would normally be found. While the lower halves of their bodies turn away, the faces of the two women turn towards each other, mirroring each other's features. The delineation between the upper bodies has lost clarity, suggesting that the heads are part of the same body.

The Virgin Mary sits on the lap of her mother, Saint Anne. The Christ Child blesses his cousin Saint John the Baptist (the child on the right). Saint Anne’s gesture, her finger pointing to heaven, alludes to Christ’s future destiny.

Virgin and Child with St Anne and St John the Baptist 

LEE SHEN YEEK 1200771