Joseph and Mary Prepare to Leave
1753
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1753
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white print shows a small group of people in a dim, wooded cave. A woman holds a baby while another woman leans on her shoulder. Nearby, a man stands with a staff, and a donkey waits patiently. The rough trees and uneven ground fill the background, making the scene feel cramped and shadowy. The artist used sharp lines to show texture—every leaf and fold of cloth is drawn with precision. This was a common way to make detailed prints in the 1700s. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Tiepolo created these intricate lines.
