The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist 1810 - 1834

Friedrich Fleischmann etched this depiction of the Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist sometime in the early 19th century. Central to this piece is the motif of domesticity and daily life, a notable departure from traditional, idealized depictions of religious figures. The intimacy of the family meal, with each figure engaged in simple actions, evokes a sense of shared humanity. But this familial intimacy is an archetype, reappearing throughout history in different contexts, as far back as ancient Roman depictions of domestic life, or even earlier, in Egyptian family portraits. The inclusion of John the Baptist as a child adds another layer, suggesting a future imbued with religious significance and a sense of foreboding. This creates a potent emotional field, echoing the universal narratives of family, fate, and the burdens of destiny that resonate deeply within our collective consciousness. The family unit becomes a symbol of larger existential themes, a reminder of the powerful undercurrents that shape our lives.