Artwork
The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist
The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist is an ink print by the Baroque artist Cesare Roberti. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist is a c. 1644 etching and engraving on laid paper by Cesare Roberti, depicting a serene indoor scene with four key figures.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays a contemplative domestic moment: the Virgin sits with the infant Jesus on her lap, accompanied by a kneeling Saint John the Baptist as a child, emphasizing early Christian harmony and devotion.
Technique & Style
Roberti employed strong, textured lines to define the figures' facial expressions and clothing. Shading and cross-hatching techniques create a three-dimensional effect, while a window frame inserts a contrasting outdoor vista, adding compositional depth.
History & Provenance
Created around 1644, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
This work reflects the Baroque period's emphasis on emotive, detailed religious art. The use of etching and engraving was common for disseminating religious themes to a broader audience during this time.
Legacy
The print's impact or influence on subsequent art is not detailed in the provided sources, focusing instead on its technical and thematic characteristics.
Artist & collection
