Who painted The Holy Family with Joachim and Anne under a Tree?

The Holy Family with Joachim and Anne under a Tree was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1511.

Where can I see The Holy Family with Joachim and Anne under a Tree?

The Holy Family with Joachim and Anne under a Tree is held by Germanisches Nationalmuseum.

What movement is The Holy Family with Joachim and Anne under a Tree?

The Holy Family with Joachim and Anne under a Tree is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

The Holy Family with Joachim and Anne under a Tree

Albrecht Dürer , 1511

The Holy Family with Joachim and Anne under a Tree is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1511 and is held in the collection of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Albrecht Dürer’s woodcut, dated 1511, presents a compact grouping of the Holy Family together with the grandparents, Joachim and Anne, gathered beneath a tree. Executed on laid paper, the print combines a devotional theme with a domestic intimacy, inviting viewers to contemplate the familial bonds of the biblical figures.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on Mary, the infant Jesus, and Joseph, flanked by the elder couple who, according to tradition, are the parents of Mary. Their close arrangement and gentle gestures suggest a narrative of lineage and protection, emphasizing the continuity of the sacred family across generations.

Technique & Style

Created as a woodcut, Dürer carved the image in relief on a wooden block, then inked the raised surfaces before pressing onto laid paper. The fine incisions allow for intricate detailing of clothing folds, facial expressions, and foliage, demonstrating Dürer’s mastery of line work and his ability to convey texture within the constraints of the medium.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in the early 16th century, a period when Dürer was expanding his repertoire of religious imagery for a broad audience. Surviving copies are held in several European collections, reflecting the work’s circulation among collectors of devotional prints during and after Dürer’s lifetime.