Who painted Holy Family with the infant St. John the Baptist?

Holy Family with the infant St. John the Baptist was painted by Unknown.

Where can I see Holy Family with the infant St. John the Baptist?

Holy Family with the infant St. John the Baptist is held by Fitzwilliam Museum.

Artwork

Holy Family with the infant St. John the Baptist

Holy Family with the infant St. John the Baptist is an oil painting by Unknown. It is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum. The work presents a domestic tableau of the Holy Family, rendered on a copper plate.

About this work

Overview

The work presents a domestic tableau of the Holy Family, rendered on a copper plate. Central to the composition is the Virgin Mary, cradling the infant Jesus, while Joseph stands to her left and the child John the Baptist appears on the right. A dark backdrop frames the group, allowing the warm illumination to emphasize their intimate interaction.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures a moment of quiet devotion, highlighting the familial bonds among the biblical figures. Mary's gentle touch and the calm expressions of the children suggest tenderness and spiritual connection, while the inclusion of the young John the Baptist foreshadows his future role as the forerunner of Christ.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on copper, the painting employs chiaroscuro to model the figures, creating a sense of three‑dimensionality against the deep background. A golden, luminous light bathes the subjects, rendering their forms with soft transitions and subtle shading that enhance the overall feeling of serenity.

Context

Works on copper were popular in the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods for their smooth surface and ability to hold fine detail. The intimate domestic setting aligns with a broader trend toward personal devotional images intended for private contemplation rather than public altar display.