Virgin, Child and Saint Anne with Garland (Primary Title)
Jan Brueghel, the Elder, Flemish, 1568 - 1625 (Artist)
Hendrik van Balen, Flemish, 1575 - 1632 (figures) (Artist)
formerly attributed to, Jan Brueghel the Younger, Flemish (active in England), 1561 - 1635 (Artist)
Jan Brueghel the Elder painted the landscape and large garland in this devotional picture; a second artist added the figures. In the 1500s and 1600s, artists with different specialties often collaborated on paintings, each attempting to best the other.
Here, the formal device of the garland is enlivened by the energetic and diligent cherubs: these attendants bring the garland to earth and encircle Christ, the Virgin, and Mary’s mother, Saint Anne, and then carry it to heaven, as seen in the upper left.
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.