Leonardo da Vinci: The Virgin and Child with St Anne

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

Although around only fifteen paintings by Leonardo exist in the world today, among them are the best-known and most highly revered paintings in the Western tradition, the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Despite these high achievements in painting, Leonardo would likely still be known today for his versatile intellect and creative mind. Skilled as a sculptor, architect, inventor, anatomist, military strategist, and visionary who anticipated the invention of aircraft, submarines, and other technologies centuries before their invention. He was among the most influential figures of the Renaissance in Europe.

The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne depicts St Anne, her daughter the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus. Christ is shown grappling with a sacrificial lamb symbolizing his Passion as the Virgin tries to restrain him. The painting was commissioned as the high altarpiece for the Church of Santissima Annunziata in Florence and its theme had long preoccupied Leonardo.

the above text appears on the back of the card
HC-590: card size 7" x 5" (178mm x 127mm)