Artwork
The Holy Family
The Holy Family is an oil painting. It dates from 1564 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work depicts a domestic interior illuminated by a subdued light source.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Holy Family, a central subject in Christian iconography that typically includes the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and Saint Joseph.
The painting depicts the Holy Family, a central subject in Christian iconography that typically includes the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and Saint Joseph. Mary is shown with the Christ Child, who is often the focal point of the composition, while Joseph appears as a supporting figure, emphasizing the sacred lineage and earthly care of the Holy Family. The work aligns with traditional representations of this theme, reinforcing its devotional purpose within religious art. The inclusion of these figures underscores themes of piety, protection, and the holy lineage of Jesus.
Technique & Style
The Holy Family, executed in 1564, is an oil painting created on a wooden panel support. Measuring 90 cm in height and 60 cm in width, the work depicts the religious subject of Mary, the Christ Child, and Joseph. The artist utilized oil paint as the primary medium to render the figures within this vertical composition.
History & Provenance
The work titled The Holy Family was created in 1564 as an oil painting on panel depicting Mary, the Christ Child, and Joseph. It was produced by Pieter (I) Coecke van Aelst and measures 90 cm in height by 60 cm in width. The painting entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum and is also held by the Museum W cultural heritage division of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, where it remains on display.
The work is held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it is catalogued as inventory number SK-C-1945-132.
It was included in the exhibition “Pieter Coecke van Aelst, 1502–1550: Renaissance Vision and Design,” held at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, from 15 December 2014 to 22 March 2015.
Overview
The work depicts a domestic interior illuminated by a subdued light source. A seated woman cradles an infant on a chair, while a bearded man kneels beside them. Above, two diminutive angels hover, and a window in the rear opens onto a cityscape crowned by a clock tower. A table nearby bears a book and fruit, adding modest detail to the scene.
Artist & collection
