Artwork
The Holy Family
The Holy Family is an ink print by the Baroque artist Laurent de La Hyre. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Laurent de La Hyre’s 1639 etching titled *The Holy Family* presents a modestly rendered scene of the biblical household on laid paper. Executed in the Baroque period, the work reflects the artist’s affiliation with the neoclassical Atticism current that favored restrained composition over dramatic excess.
Subject & Meaning
The image portrays the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus, and Saint Joseph in a tranquil domestic setting, emphasizing familial intimacy rather than overt theological symbolism. The composition invites contemplation of the human aspects of the sacred family, aligning with contemporary devotional practices.
Technique & Style
La Hyre employed fine, flowing lines and subtle curvature to delineate figures, achieving a calm atmosphere through the delicate balance of light and shadow. The etching technique, applied to laid paper, allowed for precise detailing that was characteristic of experimental printmaking practices of the early 17th century.
History & Provenance
Created in Paris, the work emerged during La Hyre’s early career, a period when he was establishing his reputation among the city’s artistic circles. While specific ownership records are sparse, the print has been documented in several French collections, underscoring its circulation among connoisseurs of religious prints.
Context
The piece reflects the broader French Baroque trend of integrating classical restraint with religious subject matter, a hallmark of the Atticism movement that sought clarity and order in visual narrative. La Hyre’s approach mirrors the period’s shift toward more subdued, contemplative representations of sacred themes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Laurent de La Hyre (French pronunciation: ; 27 February 1606 – 28 December 1656) was a French Baroque painter, born in Paris. He was a leading exponent of the neoclassical style of Parisian Atticism.
