The Holy Family, with the Christ child asleep in the Virgin's lap
Original title: The Holy Family, with the Christ child asleep in the Virgin's lap
kurzbeschreibung
Raphael Morghen produced this engraving in 1786, showing the Holy Family with the Christ Child asleep on the Virgin's lap. The sheet is a third state of three, meaning two earlier versions of the plate preceded it. In formal terms the print draws on the classical vocabulary of forms typical of the eighteenth century and remains entirely within a range of grey tones.
Description
A symmetrical layout places Mary at the centre, the child resting on her lap. Joseph sits at the left rear; a column and hanging draperies enclose the space. Beyond the interior a rural view opens out, with trees and a pond. The figures follow the classical manner characteristic of the eighteenth century. Along the lower edge of the sheet run inscriptions giving details of the artist and the model.
Context
Raphael Morghen ranks among the leading Italian engravers of the eighteenth century and became known for reproductive prints after famous paintings. This print of 1786 represents the third state of three, suggesting a reworked edition. Such sheets helped spread religious art across Europe. The Holy Family was a widely used subject in Catholic art of the eighteenth century.
Impact
The restriction to grey tones creates a calm, solemn mood. The symmetrical arrangement and classical figure language feel balanced and harmonious. The child's sleep conveys intimacy and devotion.
Technique
For this engraving the design was cut into a copper plate and then printed. The existence of a third state points to later changes or reworking of the plate. Fine lines and hatching produce the various grey values and the sculptural appearance of the figures.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)