Heilige Familie met Johannes de Doper 1738 - 1815

Francesco Bartolozzi created this engraving, "Holy Family with John the Baptist," after an original drawing by Pietro Testa. The image presents us with a vision of familial sanctity steeped in the religious and social conventions of the 18th century. Here, the figures of Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist are idealized, embodying notions of purity and devotion. Mary’s posture and serene expression reinforce the era’s prescribed roles for women. In contrast, the young Jesus exudes a divine innocence. It is worth noting the setting - a pyramid rising behind the figures, which introduces an element of the exotic. This speaks to the period's fascination with ancient civilizations and their integration into Western art. Bartolozzi encourages us to reflect on the interplay between religious narrative, gender ideals, and the broader cultural context of his time.