c. 1523

Saint Anne

Italian (active Milan and environs), first documented 1512, died 1532

Bernardino Luini's adaptation of Leonardo da Vinci's style is evident here in the refined facial features and graceful hand gesture of Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary. The brilliant palette, with bold red and green, and the classical architectural setting may also reflect the artist's trip to Rome, where he saw the work of Raphael and Michelangelo. This panel was once part of a larger altarpiece in the church of San Sisinio alla Torre in Mendrisio, near Como, Italy.