Holy Family 1550 - 1600

Battista Angolo del Moro created this engraving, "Holy Family," sometime between 1515 and 1573. During this period, religious art served not only as a form of worship, but also as a tool for communicating theological and social values. Here, the depiction of the Holy Family is striking for its intimacy and emotional expression, while the representation of motherhood and familial bonds reflects the era’s emphasis on these roles. Notice how Mary is tenderly holding the infant Jesus. This emphasis on maternal care aligns with the period's increasing veneration of Mary as a compassionate, nurturing figure. Yet the image also reinforces traditional gender roles by portraying women primarily within the domestic sphere. The composition and style of the artwork suggest the influence of Renaissance ideals, emphasizing harmony and idealized human forms. Consider how this image both upholds and softens the traditional representations of religious figures, inviting viewers to connect with the divine on a more personal level.