Master of the Saint John Panels: Saint Anne with the Virgin, Child Jesus, donors and saints (1490-1500)

(Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

A altarpiece by the unknown Dutch artist with the notname 'Master of the Saint John Panels' (active 1470-95). The painting shows Saint Anne seated on a throne with her daughter Mary and the child Jesus. On the left and right of them are a group of an unidentified family. On the left side is the father of the family, being presented by Saint Francis of Assisi. With the father are his five sons of whom several are monks or friars. On the right is the mother who is presented by Saint Lidwina of Schiedam, together with her 3 daughters. At the foot of the throne is a group of 6 small children, it is suggested that these 6 are children from the couple whom have died. The identity of the depicted donors is not known but the presence of Saint Lidwina of Schiedam suggests that they propably came from that town. Painting from 1490-1500.