Artwork
Die Heilige Familie
Die Heilige Familie is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Daniel Gran. It dates from 1747 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1747 by Austrian painter Daniel Gran, *Die Heilige Familie* is an oil on canvas work now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Executed during the Rococo period, the composition presents a domestic scene of the Holy Family, rendered with a delicate palette and soft illumination that emphasizes the intimate interaction among the figures.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays Mary holding the infant Jesus while Joseph, seated beside them, watches the child’s reach toward a pomegranate placed on a tray. The fruit, a traditional symbol of resurrection and eternal life, underscores the theological significance of the scene, while the tender gestures convey a sense of familial devotion and tenderness.
Technique & Style
Gran employs a subtle chiaroscuro, allowing light to fall gently on the faces and drapery, while deeper shadows model the folds of the garments. The Rococo sensibility appears in the pastel tones, the airy background, and the inclusion of three small winged figures that hover near a window, adding a decorative, almost ethereal quality to the composition.
History & Provenance
Daniel Gran, active in the first half of the 18th century, was among the earliest notable painters from the German‑speaking world after a period dominated by Italian artists. He contributed decorative schemes to public buildings in Vienna, and *Die Heilige Familie* later entered the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, where it remains on display.
Context
The work reflects the shift in Central European art toward a more intimate, domestic portrayal of sacred subjects, characteristic of Rococo’s move away from the grandiose Baroque narratives. Gran’s inclusion of everyday details—such as the fruit tray and the relaxed posture of Joseph—mirrors contemporary tastes for approachable, humanized religious imagery.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Daniel Gran (22 May 1694 – 16 April 1757) was an Austrian painter. His pictures ornament several public buildings in his native city. He was of some consideration in his time and after a century of Italian dominance one…
