Artwork

The Holy Family with Young St. John, Adoring the Child

The Holy Family with Young St. John, Adoring the Child, paint, 1600
The Holy Family with Young St. John, Adoring the Child, paint, 1600

The Holy Family with Young St. John, Adoring the Child is a paint painting. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. This painting, titled The Holy Family with Young St.

About this work

Overview

Executed in paint, the artwork centers on the Christ Child, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and the youthful Saint John the Baptist.

This painting, titled The Holy Family with Young St. John, Adoring the Child, presents a tranquil depiction of a sacred moment. Executed in paint, the artwork centers on the Christ Child, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and the youthful Saint John the Baptist. The composition evokes an atmosphere of profound reverence and quiet contemplation, inviting viewers into the intimate scene of devotion.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork portrays the Holy Family in a tender act of adoration. The Virgin Mary kneels on the right, with Saint Joseph positioned opposite her on the left, both figures directing their gaze towards the infant Christ. Young Saint John occupies the central foreground, holding his traditional staff and looking upwards at the child, emphasizing his role as precursor. This arrangement underscores the spiritual significance of the Christ Child, around whom all devotion converges.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a circular arrangement for the figures, drawing the viewer's eye towards the central Christ Child. The palette primarily features earthy hues, lending a naturalistic feel to the scene. Notable color accents include the Virgin Mary's vivid green robes and the warm beige fabric swaddling the infant. A subtle landscape with a distant city and scattered trees provides a serene backdrop, enhancing the overall sense of peace and intimacy within the painting.

Artist & collection

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