The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist

The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist

Annibale Carracci

1590

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting shows the Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist. Mary sits with the infant Jesus on her lap, while Saint Joseph reads a book beside them. Saint John the Baptist is also present, adding to the intimate family scene. The scene is set in a serene landscape, with rolling hills and trees visible in the background. The figures are rendered in soft, gentle lines, with a focus on their facial expressions and body language. The artist's use of etching and engraving techniques creates a sense of depth and texture, drawing the viewer into the quiet moment. To learn more about the artist's technique, look up the art movement: Renaissance.

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