The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Elizabeth, from Cabinet Reynst c. 1655 - 1658

Cornelis Visscher created this engraving, "The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Elizabeth," in the 17th century. The Dutch Golden Age, during which Visscher was working, was a period defined by the flourishing of new ideas and artistic styles. Here, Visscher renders a tender domestic scene, centered around women and children. It departs from the more traditional, rigid depictions of religious figures, offering a more intimate, human portrayal. Saint Elizabeth is depicted with her hand at her chest and her face expressing an earnest emotion, perhaps foreshadowing the complex and intertwined fates of the two families depicted. The image is marked by its emotional accessibility. By rendering the Holy Family in such an accessible, gentle manner, Visscher invites viewers into a space of contemplation. The work subtly emphasizes the shared human experiences of motherhood, family, and faith.