The Holy Family with the infant Saint John kissing Christ's feet 1640 - 1660

Giulio Carpioni made this etching of The Holy Family with the infant Saint John sometime in the 17th century. The composition draws from established visual codes, depicting Mary, the infant Christ, and John in a pastoral scene that evokes both classical and Christian ideas about innocence and divine purpose. Made in Italy, this work reflects the period's religious and social landscape. The placement of the scene in nature, outside of a Church, and the use of the etching technique make the work accessible to a wider audience. We can ask: does it align with the conservative religious art of the time, or is it part of a reformist effort to democratize religious imagery? The focus on intimacy and tenderness among the figures could signal changing emotional and devotional attitudes. To interpret this work, we could look to period religious texts, social histories, and the biographies of patrons and audiences. Art history considers not just the aesthetic qualities of an artwork, but also its role within broader cultural and institutional contexts.