The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and Saint John the Baptist

The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and Saint John the Baptist

Elisabetta Sirani

1655

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This black-and-white drawing shows four figures in a cozy indoor scene. On the left, a woman holds a baby while standing, with another small child reaching up toward her. To the right, a seated woman cradles a child in her lap, and a standing child leans against her. The background has a simple curtain and a pillar, keeping the focus on the people. The artist used shading and lines to create a sense of movement and emotion. Notice how the figures’ clothing drapes realistically, and the faces show gentle expressions. Next, look into etching to see how artists like Sirani made detailed prints like this.

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