Artwork

Holy Family with Saint Anne and Female Head in Profile

Holy Family with Saint Anne and Female Head in Profile, by Donato Creti, ink, 1710
Holy Family with Saint Anne and Female Head in Profile, by Donato Creti, ink, 1710

Holy Family with Saint Anne and Female Head in Profile is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Donato Creti. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This drawing, created in 1710 by Donato Creti, is a pen and brown ink work on laid paper, exemplifying the artist's skill in capturing a scene with rapid, expressive lines.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the Holy Family, accompanied by Saint Anne and another female figure, arranged in a compact group that conveys a sense of intimacy and informality.

Technique & Style

Creti's use of overlapping lines and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and volume, characteristic of his blend of decorative and formal elements, often associated with manneristic neoclassicism.

Context

Produced during the Rococo period, this work reflects Creti's active engagement with the artistic trends of his time, while also showcasing his academic approach to drawing.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Donato Creti

Artist

Donato Creti

Donato Creti (24 February 1671 – 31 January 1749) was an Italian painter of the Rococo period, active mostly in Bologna, Papal States.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.