Heilige familie met Elizabeth en Johannes de Doper c. 1580 - 1610

This drawing, "Holy Family with Elizabeth and John the Baptist," was created by Paulus Willemsz. van Vianen, a Dutch artist who lived through the tumultuous years of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. During this time, religious and political tensions were high. Van Vianen was a Protestant, and his life was marked by migrations as he sought refuge from religious persecution. The work offers a glimpse into the artist's negotiation of faith and identity amidst the religious conflicts of his time. Consider how the drawing might have served as a personal expression of faith. The intimate scene, rendered in delicate strokes, portrays the Virgin Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and the young John the Baptist. Note the humanity in the figures' faces, their quiet interactions, and the sense of familial connection. It is a gentle reminder of the importance of family and community in times of upheaval. This drawing serves as both a reflection of Van Vianen's personal experiences and a meditation on universal themes of faith, family, and resilience.