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The Holy Family

Bartolomeo Biscaino

1654

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Religious Holy Family

Dominant colour

The Holy Family is a 1654 ink by Bartolomeo Biscaino, a Baroque work, depicting Holy Family, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Bartolomeo Biscaino
When & what style?: 1654 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows Mary, Joseph, and a baby Jesus under warm light. Mary holds the child while Joseph looks on, his hand resting on a walking stick. The room feels simple but cozy, with a wooden table and a basket nearby. Bartolomeo Biscaino used etching to carve fine lines into a metal plate, then printed the design onto paper. The drypoint technique adds extra texture by scratching directly into the plate, making the shadows feel soft and deep. See how the light falls on Mary’s face? It’s quiet and gentle. If you like this, check out Biscaino, Bartolomeo.