Who painted The Holy Family on the Steps?

The Holy Family on the Steps was painted by Follower of Nicolas Poussin in 1648.

Where can I see The Holy Family on the Steps?

The Holy Family on the Steps is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Holy Family on the Steps?

The Holy Family on the Steps is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Holy Family on the Steps

Follower of Nicolas Poussin , 1648

The Holy Family on the Steps is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Follower of Nicolas Poussin. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

While historically associated with Nicolas Poussin in some records, the piece is currently attributed to an unknown artist.

Executed in 1648, this religious painting is realized in oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work measures 68.7 centimeters in height and 97.8 centimeters in width. While historically associated with Nicolas Poussin in some records, the piece is currently attributed to an unknown artist.

The composition belongs to the religious genre and is held within the Samuel H. Kress Collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. No specific details regarding the artist's handling of the brushwork, the current physical condition of the canvas, or distinct stylistic mannerisms are provided in the available documentation.

History & Provenance

The Holy Family on the Steps is held by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., as part of the Samuel H. Kress Collection. It entered the Kress Foundation in 1949 and was given to the NGA in 1952.

The painting's documented provenance traces through several owners. It was possibly held by Jacques Amelot du Quillou, marquis de Mauregard, by around 1668, and possibly by Henri de Guénégaud de Fresne, marquis de Plancy et de Guercheville. A later possible owner was the marquis de Lassay, from whose sale (Joullain fils, Paris, 22 May 1775, no. 43) it may have passed.

It subsequently entered the collection of George Granville Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, 2nd Duke of Sutherland, at Stafford House, London, descending through the 3rd and 4th Dukes of Sutherland. The 4th Duke's estate sale (Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 11 July 1913, no. 34) was followed by transactions through Thos. Agnew and Sons, Ltd., London, before its 1949 acquisition by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation and 1952 gift to the NGA.

Overview

This oil on canvas painting, titled The Holy Family on the Steps, captures a tender domestic scene featuring the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus, and Saint Joseph. A young boy also engages with the child, contributing to the intimate atmosphere. The composition, set against a backdrop of classical architecture and a tranquil sky, conveys a profound sense of quiet devotion and familial warmth.

Subject & Meaning

The central focus is the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, with Joseph positioned beside her. A fourth figure, a young boy, extends his hand towards the baby, suggesting interaction and reverence. The family's attire, including Mary's red robe and blue cloak and Joseph's dark brown garment, is depicted with understated elegance. Their placement on steps subtly elevates the sacred encounter within a seemingly everyday setting.