Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne," painted by Leonardo da Vinci circa 1503, is a complex and multifaceted masterpiece that exemplifies the artist's exploration of human emotion, intimate familial interactions, and intricate compositions. The painting measures approximately 168 cm × 112 cm (66 in × 44 in) and is executed in oil on wood.

Composition and Imagery:
The composition features three main figures: Saint Anne, her daughter the Virgin Mary, and the Christ Child. Saint Anne is depicted as an elderly woman seated prominently to the left, her serene visage exuding wisdom and compassion. Mary, her daughter, is seated in her lap, though slightly in front and to the right, creating an intricate and intimate triangular arrangement that connects the three figures.

Mary is gently leaning forward, with one arm delicately wrapped around the Christ Child, who is positioned slightly to the right of center and is playfully reaching towards a sacrificial lamb. The interaction between Jesus and the lamb is rich in symbolism, referencing Christ's future Passion and sacrifice. The figures are intertwined in a way that emphasizes both their individual presence and their connection as a family unit.

Technical Mastery:
Leonardo’s mastery of sfumato—a technique that creates soft transitions between colors and tones—gives the figures a lifelike, almost ethereal quality. The subtle blending of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures, while the carefully rendered anatomical details reveal Leonardo's deep understanding of the human form.

Background and Setting:
The background of the painting features a serene, somewhat idyllic landscape that recedes into the distance, creating a sense of depth and harmony. The rocky outcrops and distant, hazy mountains contribute to the tranquil yet mysterious atmosphere, a hallmark of Leonardo's landscape depictions.

Information about the Original Painting and the Artist:
The original painting "The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne" is displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most revered figures of the High Renaissance, created this work during a period marked by his intense study of anatomy, nature, and human expressions. This painting is particularly significant in Leonardo’s oeuvre as it encapsulates many of his artistic innovations and philosophical inquiries.

Context in Leonardo’s Career:
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was a polymath whose work spanned art, science, engineering, anatomy, and more. "The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne" fits into his later career, during which he focused on complex compositions and the psychological interactions between his subjects. This period produced some of his most famous works, including "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper".

Artistic Movements and Influence:
Leonardo's work is a pinnacle of the High Renaissance, characterized by balanced compositions, realistic human figures, and a deep engagement with both naturalistic details and ideal beauty. His use of sfumato, anatomical precision, and innovative composition influenced countless artists and solidified his legacy as a master of Renaissance art.

Noteworthy Details:
- The pyramidal arrangement of the figures became a notable compositional technique that influenced many Renaissance and Baroque artists.
- The interaction between the child and the lamb is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of foreshadowing of Christ's future sacrifice.
- The serene yet profound expressions of Anne and Mary contribute to the painting’s emotional depth, revealing Leonardo’s psychological insights into his subjects.

In conclusion, "The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne" is not merely a devotional image but a canvas where Leonardo da Vinci combines his scientific curiosity, anatomical expertise, and artistic genius to create a work that continues to captivate and inspire viewers and scholars alike.