Holy Family with Putti

Laurent de La Hyre

1640

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Religious putti

About this work

This etching shows Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus surrounded by chubby putti. The putti float in a soft, glowing light, some holding symbols of faith. The artist uses fine lines to build shadows and highlights. This technique is called etching. It’s done by scratching a metal plate with acid. You can see this work at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.