Who painted Holy Family?

Holy Family was painted by John Trumbull in 1826.

Where can I see Holy Family?

Holy Family is held by Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

What movement is Holy Family?

Holy Family is associated with American Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Holy Family?

Museum-quality prints of Holy Family are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Holy Family

John Trumbull , 1826

Holy Family is an unspecified painting by the American Impressionist artist John Trumbull. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

John Trumbull’s 1826 canvas titled *Holy Family* presents a domestic tableau of the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus, and Saint Joseph.

John Trumbull’s 1826 canvas titled *Holy Family* presents a domestic tableau of the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus, and Saint Joseph. Executed in a palette of warm browns, creams and muted reds, the composition centers on an intimate grouping, with the figures rendered in soft light that emphasizes the smoothness of skin and drapery. The work belongs to the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The painting interprets the traditional Christian motif of the Holy Family, focusing on the tender interaction between mother and child. Mary leans forward, her hand resting gently on the boy’s cheek, while the younger child reaches toward her face, suggesting devotion and familial affection. Joseph’s protective stance behind the pair reinforces the theme of paternal guardianship within the sacred narrative.

Technique & Style

Trumbull employs a subtle chiaroscuro, allowing light to model the figures against a darker background and create a sense of depth. The brushwork softens the transition between flesh tones and fabric, producing a velvety surface that aligns the piece with the American Impressionist tendency toward atmospheric, light‑filled interiors rather than strict academic realism.

History & Provenance

Created in the post‑Revolutionary period, *Holy Family* reflects Trumbull’s shift from large‑scale historical scenes to more intimate religious subjects. After its completion, the painting entered private collections before being acquired by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where it remains on public display as part of the museum’s American art holdings.

Context

Although Trumbull is best known for Revolutionary War depictions, this work illustrates his versatility and engagement with contemporary artistic currents. The early 1820s saw American artists exploring European Impressionist influences, and Trumbull’s treatment of light and color in *Holy Family* demonstrates his adaptation of those trends within a devotional framework.

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Artist & collection

Artist

John Trumbull

John Trumbull (June 6, 1756 – November 10, 1843) was an American painter and military officer best known for his historical paintings of the American Revolutionary War, of which he was a veteran.