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The Holy Family with Saint Anne

Louis Testelin

1644

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Religious

Dominant colour

The Holy Family with Saint Anne is a 1644 ink by Louis Testelin, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Louis Testelin
When & what style?: 1644 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching on laid paper presents a tender scene of the Holy Family with Saint Anne. The Virgin Mary is depicted in the center, gently cradling the infant Jesus in her arms. To her left stands Saint Anne, while Joseph looks on from the right. The figures are draped in flowing robes, with Mary and Anne wearing head coverings. The scene is set against a simple, unadorned background. A quiet visual detail that catches the eye is the gentle gesture of Mary's hand as she supports the infant Jesus. This subtle touch adds a sense of warmth and intimacy to the scene. For more on the art movement that influenced this work, look into the Baroque movement.