The Virgin and Child with St Anne
by GERHAERT VAN LEYDEN, Nicolaus, Stone, height 64 cm
German sculptures in the late 15th century reflect uncompromisingly rugged, almost brutal qualities in the cutting of the folds and the choice of the model. This is a Germanic art of wars and dungeons and tortures rather than of ideals or love. At the same time, alongside with violence some lyricism still persists. The group of Gerhaert is as lyrical as a Della Robbia or a Rossellino.