1633
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Holy Family with a Bird is a 1633 ink by Simon Vouet, a Baroque work, depicting Holy Family, held at National Gallery of Art.
This soft etching shows Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus sitting close together. Joseph holds a bird on a string. A warm glow lights their faces from the top left. The bird isn’t just decoration—it probably means peace or the soul. The drypoint lines are scratchy yet delicate, giving a cozy glow. Look for the fine cross-hatching on the wall behind them. Try comparing Vouet’s style to Georges de La Tour’s candlelit scenes.
Simon Vouet (French pronunciation: ; 9 January 1590 – 30 June 1649) was a French painter who studied and rose to prominence in Italy before being summoned by Louis XIII to serve as Premier peintre du Roi in France.
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