The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and the infant Saint John the Baptist, holding a bird on a string
Original title: The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and the infant Saint John the Baptist, holding a bird on a string
kurzbeschreibung
Made between 1655 and 1695, this anonymous engraving places the Holy Family together with Saint Elizabeth and the young John the Baptist in a room topped by an arch. The print reproduces an unidentified model in reverse.
Description
Mary sits at the centre with the Christ Child on her lap, Joseph standing to her right. On the left appears Saint Elizabeth, and before her the small John the Baptist, who holds a bird on a string. The figures' garments recall the Renaissance, and their arrangement is symmetrical about the middle. An arch closes off the interior at the back. The image remains monochrome, alive with delicate lines and hatching.
Context
The print dates from the second half of the seventeenth century. Its reversal suggests it was made after an older engraving or painting. Reproductive prints of this kind were common in the Baroque period, bringing religious subjects to a wide audience. Where the anonymous engraver worked is not recorded.
Impact
The symmetrical layout and calm poses give the sheet a sense of balance and solemnity. Careful linework makes the scene appear clear and almost graphic, which supports the viewer's devotion.
Technique
Precise, even lines and hatching identify this as an engraving. It was printed on paper, later trimmed to 44.4 × 33.3 cm. The single colour corresponds to intaglio printing, in which the lines are incised into a copper plate.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)