Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing popularly known as “ The Burlington House Cartoon”, this artwork “ Virgin And The Child With St. Anne And St. John The Baptist” shows the Virgin seated next to her mother St. Anne holding the baby Jesus with the child St. John The Baptist looking on.
Mary’s eyes look down upon Jesus as he points upwards to the heavens and delivers a benediction. St. Anne’s gesture of her finger pointing to heaven alluded to Christ’s future destiny.
St. Anne smiles adoring to her daughter Mary who sits on her lap not only with maternal pride but also veneration due to the one whom “ all generations will call blessed!!”
Virgin Mary is seen busy controlling baby Jesus who lovingly tickles the chin of St. John The Baptist.
Behind them is a beautiful blue mountain range covered in mist signifying heaven. Behind those mountains is the holy city of Jerusalem, the birthplace of Christ. A magnificent sunrise illuminates the blue sky denoting the arrival of Christ, while four white doves signifying peace flies in to see the “ blessed one.”
