Artwork
The Holy Family (La sagrada familia)
The Holy Family (La sagrada familia) is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Nicolás Rodríguez Juárez. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Created around 1650, this oil on canvas depicts a domestic scene of the Holy Family.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1650, this oil on canvas depicts a domestic scene of the Holy Family. The work is part of the collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and presents a quiet, intimate moment among the three figures.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a mother cradling an infant, while a father watches attentively. The tender interaction conveys themes of parental love and devotion, aligning the ordinary family scene with the sacred narrative of the Virgin, Saint Joseph, and the infant Jesus.
Technique & Style
Rendered in oil, the artist employs a limited palette of deep shadows contrasted with a luminous golden halo that encircles the heads. Soft modeling of flesh and delicate handling of fabrics give the figures a gentle presence against the dark background.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the Mexican painter Nicolás Rodríguez Juárez, the piece dates to the mid‑17th century, a period when colonial artists often blended European religious iconography with local sensibilities. It entered the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the late 20th century.
Context
During the colonial era, depictions of the Holy Family served both devotional and didactic purposes, reinforcing Catholic values within domestic spaces. This work reflects that tradition, presenting the sacred narrative in a relatable, familial setting.
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