Who painted Holy Family (Trinitas terrestris)?

Holy Family (Trinitas terrestris) was painted by Adriaen van der Werff in 1710.

Where can I see Holy Family (Trinitas terrestris)?

Holy Family (Trinitas terrestris) is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Holy Family (Trinitas terrestris)?

Holy Family (Trinitas terrestris) is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Holy Family (Trinitas terrestris)

Adriaen van der Werff , 1710

Holy Family (Trinitas terrestris) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Adriaen van der Werff. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Adriaen van der Werff, a Dutch painter active in the early 18th century, completed the oil painting *Holy Family (Trinitas terrestris)* in 1710. The work belongs to the Rococo period and is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection in St. Petersburg. It presents a quiet, intimate moment involving the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus, and a figure traditionally identified as Joseph.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on Mary holding the newborn Christ, whose small hand reaches toward a sprig of foliage, a subtle symbol of life and renewal. A secondary figure, positioned behind the mother, watches the scene, reinforcing the familial bond. The subdued interaction conveys a tender domesticity that emphasizes the humanity of the biblical figures.

Technique & Style

Van der Werff employs a restrained palette with a dark background that accentuates the illuminated figures. Delicate modeling of the Virgin’s drapery reveals meticulous brushwork, while the infant’s skin is rendered with a smooth, luminous quality. Light enters from the left, creating gentle chiaroscuro that adds depth and a sense of intimacy to the tableau.

History & Provenance

Created in 1710, the painting entered the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings during the 19th‑century expansion of the imperial collection. Its presence in the Hermitage reflects the Russian court’s long‑standing interest in Dutch art and the broader European market for religious works during the Rococo era.