The Holy Family at the Bank of the River
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 three figures standing by a riverbank. The person on the left holds a long staff, the middle figure has a halo, and the one on the right wears a cloak and carries a bundle. Behind them, the sky is swirling with clouds, and the water looks rough. The artist used fine lines to create light and shadow, making the scene feel dramatic. The halos and the river setting hint at a religious story. Next, check out how this was made using the technique: etching.