The Virgin and Child with St. Anne

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin and Child with St. Anne is a celebrated masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Depicted in the composition is Saint Anne, the Virgin Mary, and the Christ Child, who is shown playfully grappling with a lamb. The painting is renowned for its intricate depiction of maternal affection and the delicate balance of the figures. Started around 1503 and completed in 1519, da Vinci’s innovative use of sfumato (a technique of blending colors and tones) adds a breathtaking realism to the piece.