Artwork
The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Young Baptist and His Parents
The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Young Baptist and His Parents is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jacob Jordaens. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays the Holy Family, Mary, the infant Jesus, and Joseph, joined by Saint Anne, the youthful John the Baptist, and his parents.
The painting portrays the Holy Family, Mary, the infant Jesus, and Joseph, joined by Saint Anne, the youthful John the Baptist, and his parents. Saint Anne’s presence underscores the sacred lineage extending from the Old Testament to the Christ child, while the young Baptist signals his future role as the forerunner. A flock of sheep appears in the background, a traditional symbol of Christ as the Lamb of God and of innocence and sacrificial love.
Together, these figures and motifs emphasize the continuity of divine promise, the humility of the Incarnation, and the intergenerational faith that surrounds the birth of Jesus.
Technique & Style
The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Young Baptist and His Parents is an oil painting on wood panel created in 1639. Its support measures approximately 169.9 cm in height and 149.9 cm in width, characteristic of early‑Baroque Flemish practice. Executed in oil paint, the work depicts a religious scene that includes Saint Anne, the Holy Family, Saint John the Baptist and his parents, arranged in a balanced composition typical of the period.
The painting is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and was previously owned by William T. Blodgett and Auguste du Blaisel, indicating a documented provenance and current custodial condition.
History & Provenance
The painting was created by Jacob Jordaens in 1639, as indicated by its internal catalog entry and the Wikidata record, which both date the work to that year. It entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains today. Prior to its acquisition by the museum, the painting was owned by William T. Blodgett and Auguste du Blaisel, as documented by the Wikidata entry. No further details about its commission or earlier provenance are provided in the available sources.
The painting is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Its accession number is 1975.1.93, assigned upon acquisition. The work was first recorded in modern collections with William T. Blodgett and Auguste du Blaisel before entering the museum’s holdings in 1975.
Overview
This oil painting, titled The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Young Baptist and His Parents, depicts a multi-generational gathering centered around an infant. The composition brings together several biblical figures, arranged in a close-knit group. The artist employs a rich palette and dramatic lighting to emphasize the familial bonds and spiritual significance of the scene, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques (Jacob) Jordaens (19 May 1593 – 18 October 1678) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and a designer of tapestries and prints.
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