Holy Family with Angels and the Cross, Crushing a Serpent
1639
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1639
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a group of figures in a dramatic scene. A woman in a long robe sits holding a baby, while a naked child kneels beside her. Around them, winged angels float in the air, some holding a cross and a spear. A man leans in the background, watching. Below, a snake lies crushed under a foot. The scene mixes religious symbols with strong emotions. The woman’s calm pose contrasts with the tense energy of the angels and the child’s struggle. The cross and snake hint at deeper meaning—look into how artists used these symbols. Want to see more? Check out the technique: etching to learn how artists like this made prints.
