In the context of this artwork, discuss the Jesus of the Iconography.
Jesus's left hand is depicted doing a gesture where he is putting his middle finger and thumb together creating a circle. Everything else is in the shadows, and the figures gain monumentality in the light. This depiction is known as tenebrism. The brightest figure in this altarpiece with a lot of highlights is Jesus. The light shines on him due to being the focus and being known as "the light of the world,” stated John Spike. He has more power compared to his mother and grandmother. Mary receives more light compared to Saint Anne because she is standing behind her son. Mary has light hitting more on her because she carried and gave birth to Jesus. Mary and Saint Anne both represent and have a status in the Christian hierarchy, but not a lot of status compared to Jesus. That is why they are both depicted behind Jesus. The serpent is receiving some light due to being crushed by Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
tenebrism thumb Saint Anne Virgin Mary serpent