I

The Gernrode group predicts in general terms the form and iconography of the more numerous Holy Graves of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries: a room-sized architectural structure, with sculptural decoration depicting the conversation of the three Marys with the angel at Christ's empty tomb. A development of the iconography of Anna Selbdritt, the image of the Holy Kinship included St. Anne's extended family. This image grew as an alternative to the Tree of Jesse, giving Saint Anne the central role. This form, developed in the twelfth century, became extremely popular in Germany during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The iconography of the legend was somewhat flexible and used many elements from other passion imagery, especially the ArmaChristi and the Man of Sorrows. The use of itinerant kingship in medieval Germany and the frequency of the royal progress or perambulation varied greatly according to governmental structure and administrative institutions.