A “GRACEFUL AND ROUND ANNE”: DEVOTION TO SAINT ANNE AND THE MODEL OF VIRTUOUS FEMININITY IN COLONIAL MINAS GERAIS (1720-1820)

Abstract

The observation of the abundance of Saint Anne’s sculpted imagery in Minas Gerais dated between the 18th and 19th centuries instigated the research from which this article results and whose initial aim was to identify the agents and the reasons for the wide diffusion of this devotion in Minas Gerais. Departing from an art history perspective, a group of approximately 200 images was analyzed in terms of its craftsmanship, typology, and iconography, and the results of this analysis were confronted with data from different areas of knowledge. Against the dominant patriarchal backdrop, it was observed that the representations of Saint Anne became a symbolic model of femininity for a bourgeoisie that wished to build its image and legitimacy. This model, however, ended up crossing in depth the different social strata, which appropriated it differently.

Keywords
Saint Anne; devotional imagery; female devotions; 18th century Minas Gerais; patriarchal society