A rare drypoint engraving from the late fifteenth century, depicting the traditional Anna Selbdritt subject with expressive, fluid line work.

This drypoint engraving by the Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet, also known as the Master of the Housebook, depicts the traditional iconographic subject of the Anna Selbdritt, or Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child. The composition features Saint Anne seated on a throne, supporting the Virgin Mary, who in turn holds the infant Jesus. The artist employs a distinctive drypoint technique, which allows for soft, velvety lines that differ from the sharper incisions of traditional copperplate engraving. This method creates a sense of depth and texture within the drapery of the figures' garments.

The Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet is recognised for a spontaneous and expressive approach to line work, which was unusual for the late fifteenth century. The figures are rendered with a focus on human emotion and domestic intimacy, moving away from the rigid formality often found in earlier religious art. Saint Anne is shown with a solemn expression, while the Virgin Mary is depicted in a moment of maternal care. The architectural elements of the throne provide a structured frame for the figures, grounding the scene in a recognisable space.

This work reflects the technical experimentation occurring in German printmaking during the late Gothic period. The artist's ability to manipulate the burr of the drypoint needle results in a tonal quality that mimics the softness of a drawing. The print serves as an example of the shift towards more personal and accessible religious imagery, intended for private devotion. The delicate handling of the faces and the fluid lines of the clothing demonstrate the technical skill associated with this anonymous master, whose influence on subsequent generations of printmakers remains a subject of study for art historians.