France, 16th Century, Sculpture Of Saint Anne Or The Education Of The Virgin (h 59 Cm)

This sculpture of St. Anne (mother of the Virgin Mary), a French work from the 16th century, shows her teaching her daughter to read. The book symbolizes knowledge, particularly that of the Scriptures, as well as wisdom.
The cult of St. Anne, patroness of the Bretons, develops in the West at the time of the crusades and this veneration experiences a real boom in the second half of the 16th century.
This theme will remain illustrated by the artists until the nineteenth century and will be used to promote the education of girls.

In this sculptural group, an example of the hieratic style of the Majesties, the sculptor sought the symbolic norms of the Sedes Sapientiae, Throne of Wisdom.  St. Anne sits on a throne that is one with her, holding the open book that takes center stage.  Dressed in a long dress with the characteristic folds of Gothic draperies, she wears the veil and a wimple. His face, slightly tilted towards Marie, offers a very great softness.
Marie is depicted in profile, very close to her mother, placing both hands on the Book. 
It emanates from this sculpture, despite the gaps carved at the level of Mary, a strength and a tenderness between them two. 

Absence of polychromy (some very light remains)
Comes from a large private collection
Dimensions H 59 cm / W 23.5 cm / W 11 cm
With rear base H 61 cm .