The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist 1590

Annibale Carracci created this etching of The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist. The original narrative of the Holy Family has, over time, been used to reinforce traditional gender roles and family structures in European society. Here, we see Saint John the Baptist as a child, alongside Mary who looks lovingly at her child as she sits barefoot, a signifier of her humility. An older male figure to the right fills the role of learned scholar. Although the image emphasizes familiar roles, it also presents an intimate glimpse into the private lives of religious figures. Carracci lived and worked during a time of religious and social upheaval. His work oscillates between the established traditions and the emerging desire for more personal and emotional connections to faith. This piece offers a moment to reflect on how historical interpretations of family and faith intersect with personal experiences and beliefs.