Heilige Familie met Johannes de Doper 1633 - 1700

Jean Pesne created this engraving called "Holy Family with John the Baptist" in the 17th century. Here we see how the imagery of the Holy Family circulates in French visual culture through reproductive prints like this one. In its emphasis on familial care and religious devotion, the image speaks to the values upheld by both the Catholic Church and the French monarchy. The print flattens out the distinctive qualities of painting and sculpture. Its virtue lies in its capacity for dissemination. Prints like this, sold in shops or by itinerant merchants, played a crucial role in shaping popular religious sentiment in France, but also maintained the academic system of art. By studying the graphic art of the period, we can understand how religious and social norms were disseminated and reinforced through visual media. We can gain insight into the complex interplay between art, religion, and power in early modern France.