The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Young Baptist and His Parents

Jacob Jordaens

Created:
Movement:
1659
Baroque
key Notes:
Baroque dynamism; Familial intimacy.
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Dimensions:
66 7/8 x 59 in. (169.9 x 149.9 cm)
medium:
Oil on wood
story of the work:

"The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Young Baptist and His Parents" is a painting by the Flemish artist Jacob Jordaens, created between the early 1620s and the 1650s. The work depicts the Holy Family, including the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and the infant Jesus, alongside Saint Anne and the young John the Baptist with his parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth. Jordaens was known for his vibrant color palette and dynamic compositions, which are evident in this piece. The painting reflects the Baroque style, characterized by emotional intensity and a focus on familial themes. The exact date of creation is uncertain, but it is believed to have been produced during Jordaens's mature period, when he was heavily influenced by the works of Peter Paul Rubens. The painting is currently housed in a private collection, and its provenance prior to this is not well-documented.

Description of the work:

"The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Young Baptist and His Parents" by Jacob Jordaens is an oil on wood painting characterized by its vibrant color palette and dynamic composition. The figures are arranged in a triangular formation, emphasizing the centrality of the Holy Family. Jordaens employs a rich use of light and shadow, creating depth and volume in the figures. The expressions of the characters convey a sense of warmth and familial connection. The drapery is rendered with meticulous attention to texture, enhancing the realism of the garments. The background features a soft, atmospheric landscape that complements the foreground figures. The overall composition reflects Jordaens' Baroque style, marked by a sense of movement and emotional engagement. The painting exemplifies the artist's ability to blend religious themes with a sense of everyday life.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Young Baptist and His Parents