Who painted The Holy Family?

The Holy Family was painted by Adriaen van der Werff in 1714-01-01.

Where can I see The Holy Family?

The Holy Family is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is The Holy Family?

The Holy Family is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

The Holy Family

Adriaen van der Werff , 1714

The Holy Family is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Adriaen van der Werff. It dates from 1714 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The Holy Family shows the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the infant Christ gathered in a quiet interior, a common devotional subject in Dutch religious painting.

The Holy Family shows the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the infant Christ gathered in a quiet interior, a common devotional subject in Dutch religious painting. Van der Werff includes symbolic objects, a cherry suggesting future martyrdom, a twig representing life and a rose evoking purity, to deepen the theological message. The composition derives from the episode of the Rest on the Flight into Egypt, emphasizing the family's protective role.

Executed in oil on panel in 1714 and measuring 36 by 29 cm, the work belonged to a distinguished collection before entering the Our Lord in the Attic Museum.

Technique & Style

The work is executed in oil on panel, a technique consistent with van der Werff's late practice. The support measures 36 × 29 cm, a compact format typical of cabinet pictures intended for private devotion or small collections. Handling emphasizes smooth, refined brushwork and delicate chiaroscuro, with softly blended modeling of drapery and flesh to achieve a porcelain-like finish.

Compositional harmony centers on the Holy Family arranged in quiet intimacy, framed by a still-life of cherries and a rose on a twig. The palette remains restrained, dominated by warm earth tones and soft highlights, reinforcing the serene mood.

Overview

Adriaen van der Werff's 1714 oil painting, The Holy Family, exemplifies his devotional work. This Dutch artist, active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, was known for religious and mythological themes, as well as portraiture. The artwork is characterized by its Rococo style and is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, representing a key aspect of his artistic output.

Context

Adriaen van der Werff was a prominent Dutch painter whose oeuvre encompassed a range of subjects, including mythological narratives and portraits, in addition to devotional pieces like The Holy Family. His reputation extended to influential patrons, notably the Medici family, for whom he also created works, indicating his significant standing in European art circles.