Holy Family (1640) by Rembrandt

Holy Family - Rembrandt - 1640

Artwork Information

TitleHoly Family
ArtistRembrandt
Date1640
Mediumoil
Dimensions34 x 41 cm
Art MovementBaroque
Current LocationLouvre, Paris, France

About Holy Family

The artwork titled “Holy Family,” created by the artist Rembrandt in 1640, is an oil painting belonging to the Baroque movement. It measures 34 x 41 cm and is classified as a religious painting. The Louvre in Paris, France, holds this notable piece, allowing visitors to appreciate a fine example of Baroque art with a biblical theme.

The artwork presents a tender and intimate portrayal of the Holy Family: Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. The composition is imbued with a warm, golden light that draws the viewer’s gaze to the central figures. The domestic setting is depicted with a sense of realism typical of Rembrandt’s work, featuring details of daily life that provide a context for the sacred scene.

Mary is at the heart of the composition, sitting and holding the young Jesus on her lap, while Joseph stands in the background, engaged in his carpentry work, a reference to his profession. The chiaroscuro technique, a hallmark of the Baroque period, is masterfully employed here, with the play of light and shadow creating depth and volume, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the scene. The colors are rich yet subdued, highlighting the humanity and humility of the subjects.

The overall atmosphere is one of quiet solemnity and domestic tranquility. It is a scene that celebrates the sacred within the mundane, inviting contemplation on the virtues of family and faith. The figures are rendered with sensitivity and a close observation of human emotion, a testament to Rembrandt’s skill in portraying the divine in an accessible and relatable manner.

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