The Holy Family 1570 - 1617

Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving, “The Holy Family,” during the late 16th-early 17th century, a time of religious upheaval and artistic innovation. Goltzius, a Dutch printmaker, was known for his virtuoso technique and his ability to capture emotion, influenced by the Mannerist style which emphasized elegance, elongated forms, and stylized features. Consider the cultural significance of depicting the Holy Family during the Reformation. For many, images like these were vital to personal faith. This was particularly important when the Catholic Church was under attack for its practices. Mary is shown kissing baby Jesus while Joseph looks on; it's an intimate scene. Through this closeness, the artwork emphasizes an emotional connection. It invites viewers to contemplate their own relationships with family. The engraving's focus on the human aspects of divinity suggests an effort to make religious figures relatable and approachable, rather than distant icons. Ultimately, the artwork reflects a need to find solace and inspiration in faith during turbulent times.