Artwork
The Holy Family
The Holy Family is an oil painting. It dates from 1564 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work depicts a domestic interior illuminated by a subdued light source.
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a domestic interior illuminated by a subdued light source. A seated woman cradles an infant on a chair, while a bearded man kneels beside them. Above, two diminutive angels hover, and a window in the rear opens onto a cityscape crowned by a clock tower. A table nearby bears a book and fruit, adding modest detail to the scene.
Subject & Meaning
The central figures represent the Holy Family: the mother, the child, and the father, presented in a quiet, intimate setting. The inclusion of angels and the domestic objects underscores themes of piety and familial devotion, while the city view beyond the window situates the sacred narrative within a recognizable, everyday world.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the painting employs pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting deep shadows with a soft, diffused illumination that isolates the figures. This handling of light creates a three‑dimensional presence, while the muted palette and careful modeling of forms lend the scene a contemplative atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The artwork is identified simply as an oil painting titled “The Holy Family.” No further information about its creator, date, or ownership history is provided in the source material.
Artist & collection
