The Holy Family

The Holy Family

Hendrik Goltzius

1585

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a woman holding a baby while an older man leans in close. The woman’s robe drapes loosely, and the baby clutches a bundle of fruit. Behind them, a small window frames a tree and distant buildings, while a curtain hangs to the side. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth, especially in the folds of the clothing and the faces. This style is typical of engravings from the time. Try looking up engraving to see how artists built shadows with just lines.

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