Artwork
The Bassano Family

The Bassano Family is a print by J. B. M. Dupréel. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1850 print, attributed to Jacopo Bassano il Vecchio and executed by J.
About this work
Overview
This 1850 print, attributed to Jacopo Bassano il Vecchio and executed by J. B. M. Dupréel, portrays a domestic scene of the Bassano family engaged in a shared activity.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a moment of familial intimacy: a bearded patriarch leans in, a mother holds an infant, and a young boy participates, all focused on a book. The depiction emphasizes harmony and shared learning within the family.
Technique & Style
The artist employed chiaroscuro, using strong shading to create three-dimensional effects, making the figures' faces and attire stand out against a dark, muted background. Simple, sparse room decor (e.g., curtained window, scattered fruit, a cat) underscores the focus on the family.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Jacopo Bassano il Vecchio, the design was translated into print form by J. B. M. Dupréel in 1850, with the original creation date of the design not specified in available information.
Context
The work reflects the Renaissance interest in depicting everyday life and family dynamics, characteristic of Jacopo Bassano il Vecchio's known oeuvre, which often blended secular themes with a sense of contemplation.
Legacy
While not widely recognized as a seminal work, this print exemplifies the enduring appeal of domestic scenes from the Renaissance period, continuing to offer insights into family life and artistic techniques of the time.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Flemish printmakers of the late 1700s often turned family portraits into lively crowd scenes.










