Alabaster panel depicting St Anne teaching the Christ Child to read. English, 15th century.

St. Anne, mother of the Virgin, is shown on the left of the panel, holding an open book in her left hand and a pointer in her right. She wears a barbe under her chin and a veil with a peaked hood over her head. She also wears a long girded gown, a loose cloak and shoes. The Virgin is on the right of the panel. Her head has been skilfully but wrongly restored as veiled, rather than as crowned as she is usually represented when holding a sceptre. She wears a close-fitting gown, a cloak draped from her left shoulder and shoes. On her right arm she holds the Christ Child, who looks up at her; he wears a gown and a cloak, and holds an orb in his hands.

The top of the Virgin's sceptre is missing. The panel has been broken away at the top, where some skilful but erroneous restoration has taken place; the head of the Virgin is totally restored. Green paint and the usual daisy pattern remain on the ground at the bottom of the panel. Traces of gilding remain on the figures. There is some blue on St. Anne's cloak. The panel has been backed with a thicker and slightly larger alabaster slab.

Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA

Discovered at Bruniquel, near Montauban. Acquired by P. Nelson from whom Dr W.L. Hildburgh acquired the piece. On loan to the Museum from Dr Hildburgh since 1926. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.

Historical significance: The theme of this panel appears to be unique. The panel is a variation of the more common theme of St. Anne teaching the Virgin to read.

This apparently unique panel shows a variation on the theme of St Anne teaching the Virgin to read. According to legend, Christ did not have to be taught to read. This panel has been skilfully but incorrectly restored at the top left and the Virgin would originally have been crowned.

A.99-1946