French school. Loire Valley, 16th century

French school. Loire Valley, 16th century
"The Education of the Virgin".
Carved stone.
It has flaws and wear.
Provenance: Provenance:
- Former Bresset collection.
- Former Gournay collection - 1980.
Measurements: 110 x 51 x 35 cm.

Sculptural group of remarkable quality in carved stone representing St. Anne and the Virgin as a child. The mother rests her loving hand on the head of Mary, who bends slightly to concentrate on reading. The subject alludes to the education of the Virgin. As mother and teacher, Anne also holds a book in her right hand, indicating with her maternal and instructive gesture her role in the spiritual formation of the one who will carry the Son of God in her womb. It is a widespread iconographic theme in Gothic and Renaissance sculpture. This piece is located in a transitional stage between both styles: Anne's contrapposto and the naturalism printed in the drapery, with the folds drawing around the bent knee, is a Renaissance solution. However, the frontal disposition, as well as the oval face with a clear forehead, coincides with numerous French models of the period, still close to late Gothic. The careful definition of the layers of clothing stands out: the pleated sleeves that cover the forearms, peeking out from under a loose-fitting dress that is fastened with a bow at the waist. The figure of Mary repeats with variations the maternal model: she also flexes her right leg, and like her mother wears a dress with the collar enhanced with a brooch. Anne's draped veil frames the stylized oval and emphasizes her delicate beauty. The Loire Valley, where this work originates, was a key center of the French Renaissance, thanks to the presence of the court and the construction of numerous châteaux that incorporated new artistic trends. This sculpture, in short, embodies the evolution of French art in the 16th century, combining medieval spirituality with the first echoes of Renaissance humanism.