Who painted The Holy Family with the infant John the Baptist and angels?

The Holy Family with the infant John the Baptist and angels was painted by Adam Elsheimer in 1600.

Where can I see The Holy Family with the infant John the Baptist and angels?

The Holy Family with the infant John the Baptist and angels is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is The Holy Family with the infant John the Baptist and angels?

The Holy Family with the infant John the Baptist and angels is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Artwork

The Holy Family with the infant John the Baptist and angels

Adam Elsheimer , 1600

The Holy Family with the infant John the Baptist and angels is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Adam Elsheimer. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Around the turn of the 17th century, Adam Elsheimer painted a modestly sized work on copper that brings together the Virgin, the infant Christ, the young John the Baptist and a group of angels. The composition is set within a tranquil landscape of trees under a clear sky, with Joseph positioned to the right, his staff visible. The scene is rendered with a calm, intimate atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The gathering portrays the Holy Family in a moment of quiet devotion, emphasizing the familial bond between Mary, Joseph and the children. The inclusion of the infant John the Baptist hints at his future role as Christ’s forerunner, while the surrounding angels underscore the sacred nature of the encounter. The overall tone suggests a contemplative reflection on divine kinship.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on a copper plate, the painting showcases Elsheimer’s characteristic handling of light, with subtle contrasts that model forms and create depth.

Executed in oil on a copper plate, the painting showcases Elsheimer’s characteristic handling of light, with subtle contrasts that model forms and create depth. The palette relies on muted earth tones, allowing the delicate foliage and nuanced facial expressions to emerge without overt coloration. Fine brushwork renders the leaves and sky, while chiaroscuro subtly separates figures from the background.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1600 while Elsheimer was active in Rome, the work reflects the early Baroque interest in intimate religious scenes. After remaining in private collections for several centuries, it entered the holdings of Berlin’s Gemäldegalerie, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s representation of Northern artists working in Italy during the period.