Holy Family c. 19th century

Editor: This is Giovanni Rivera's "Holy Family", the date is unknown. It's a striking plate. I'm curious about the symbolism within such a classical scene. What can you tell me? Curator: The Holy Family, often depicted, carries layers of meaning. Consider the tender gaze of Mary, echoing the Madonna's timeless archetype of maternal love and protection. The Christ child, held aloft, signifies hope and redemption. Editor: So, it’s a narrative using figures as symbols? Curator: Precisely. Even the staff held by the child John the Baptist carries the symbolic weight of prophecy and destiny. Notice how the artist connects the earthly family with the divine through these visual cues, bridging the gap between heaven and earth. Editor: It's fascinating to see how these figures embody such powerful ideas. Thanks for illuminating the piece for me.