Artwork
Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and the Infant Saint John
Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and the Infant Saint John is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Giovanni Antonio da Brescia. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and the Infant Saint John is a Renaissance-era engraving on laid paper, created by Italian artist Giovanni Antonio da Brescia around 1500. The work features a serene religious composition.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a tranquil scene of the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child) accompanied by Saint Elizabeth and her infant son, Saint John the Baptist, conveying a sense of familial devotion and religious piety.
Technique & Style
Giovanni Antonio da Brescia employed fine-line engraving techniques, utilizing cross-hatching to achieve depth and shading. The intricate, hand-carved lines give the impression of delicate lace, characteristic of the artist's meticulous style.
History & Provenance
Active in northern Italy from circa 1490 to 1519, the artist initially signed works as 'Z.A.' before adopting 'IO.AN.BX.' and similar variations. The specific provenance of this engraving is not detailed in available information.
Context
Created around 1500, the piece reflects the religious themes prevalent in Italian Renaissance art, while the engraving technique itself highlights the period's advancements in printmaking.
Legacy
As a print from the early 16th century, 'Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and the Infant Saint John' contributes to the broader legacy of Renaissance engraving, though its direct influence or notable exhibitions are not specified in the provided context.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Antonio da Brescia was an Italian engraver of northern Italy, active in the approximate period 1490–1519, during the Italian Renaissance.
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