Heilige Familie 1857 - 1914

Nikolay Semyonovich Mosolov made this ‘Heilige Familie’ sometime around the turn of the 20th century using a fine engraving technique. This process, requiring highly skilled labor, involves incising an image onto a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Looking closely, we see the meticulous detail achieved through this method, with delicate lines defining form and creating subtle tonal gradations. The material quality of the print - the texture of the paper, the density of the ink - contributes to its overall aesthetic impact. Engraving has a long history, moving from decorative art to a means of mass production and reproduction. This particular print is a reproduction of a painting by Raphael, and its making involved a complex relationship between artistic skill, mechanical reproduction, and the dissemination of images in a rapidly changing society. Ultimately, by paying attention to the materials, making, and historical context of this ‘Heilige Familie’, we gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of this artwork.