1644
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Holy Family Preparing to Embark is a 1644 ink by Sébastien Bourdon, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a group of people by the water’s edge. A woman in a long robe stands in the center, holding a child’s hand. Around her, others kneel or gather belongings—one man holds a horse, another tends to a small boat. In the background, a tree and a temple-like building sit on a hill. The artist used shading to show fabric folds and faces, making the scene feel real despite the lack of color. The text at the bottom is in Latin, hinting at a religious story. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Bourdon carved images into metal plates.
Sébastien Bourdon (French pronunciation: ; 2 February 1616 – 8 May 1671) was a French painter and engraver. His chef d'œuvre is The Crucifixion of St. Peter made for the cathedral of Notre Dame.
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