Polychromed Limewood Sculpture Of Anna Selbdritt. South German, 16th Century.

Anna Selbdritt (Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child)

Southern Germany, Swabian, early 16th century

Polychromed limewood

Measurements: 92 × 62 × 20 cm.

This large limewood group represents the devotional theme of Anna Selbdritt, in which Saint Anne is shown with the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. Saint Anne, seated at the centre, wears voluminous robes with angular folds painted in rich tones of red and grey. The Virgin, here depicted as a youthful girl, stands to the side presenting an open book to the Christ Child, who sits on his grandmother’s lap and reaches eagerly towards it. The rounded faces, softly downcast eyes, and animated curls of the Child exemplify the naturalism characteristic of early 16th-century Swabian sculpture.

The cult of Saint Anne flourished during the 15th century, culminating in her inclusion in the Roman church calendar in 1481. This recognition prompted widespread popularity of the trinity motif of Saint Anne, the Virgin, and the Christ Child—known in German as Anna Selbdritt—which emphasised her role as intercessor and the transmission of wisdom and piety across generations. The present group reflects this context, embodying the didactic and devotional values central to late medieval religious life.

The sculpture preserves extensive traces of its original polychromy, with areas of wear, refreshment, and overpainting consistent with long devotional use. Structural details reveal typical workshop practice: the Virgin’s left hand, the book, part of her right hand, and a section of Saint Anne’s shoe are carved separately and joined. The reverse is hollowed out in deep gouges to reduce weight and prevent splitting, with an iron bracket added for stability and a hanging mount fixed at the top.

Condition
Overall, the condition of the wood is good, with surface wear and dirt consistent with age. The Child’s head and right forearm have been historically reattached, with visible paint retouching to the joins. There is a small area of restoration to the Virgin’s nose. Some evidence of past worming is visible, particularly to the Virgin’s torso, though this is stable and no longer active. Small losses include chips to Saint Anne’s headdress, the Child’s toes, and the Virgin’s hair.