Artwork
Holy Family with Saint Little John and Elizabetg

Holy Family with Saint Little John and Elizabetg is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.
About this work
Overview
This 1630 oil painting by Peter Paul Rubens portrays a serene domestic scene featuring the Holy Family, Saint John the Baptist, and his mother Elisabeth, set against a dark background that highlights the warm, vibrant figures.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a tender gathering of the Christ Child with Mary and Joseph, accompanied by Saint John the Baptist (as a child) and his mother Elisabeth. This composition reflects Rubens’s exploration of Christian themes, particularly the intimate relationships within sacred families.
Technique & Style
Characterized by Flemish Baroque elements, the work features dramatic composition and rich coloration. Rubens employed thick, impasto paint to achieve soft, rounded forms, contrasting with the somber backdrop to emphasize the warmth and serenity of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1630, the painting is now part of the National Museum of Fine Arts collection in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Context
The work aligns with the Counter-Reformation’s influence on art, emphasizing emotional and accessible depictions of religious subjects. Rubens’s blend of Christian and classical motifs was typical of his style during this period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Peter Paul Rubens ( ROO-bənz; Dutch: ; 28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640) was a Flemish artist and diplomat.
Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina
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