The Virgin and Child with Saint Elizabeth and John the Baptist in a landscape, St Joseph at the left 1498 - 1508

This engraving, "The Virgin and Child with Saint Elizabeth and John the Baptist in a landscape, St Joseph at the left," was created by Jacopo de' Barbari in the early 16th century, a period of immense religious and social change in Europe. The image depicts two mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, with their infant sons, Jesus and John. Joseph is set to the side, with a distinctly aged appearance. In Renaissance art, family was often idealized as harmonious and virtuous. Yet, the positioning of Joseph in this print seems to push against the traditional nuclear family, and perhaps is even suggestive of his position as an outsider. The composition suggests a moment of quiet intimacy, but also hints at the complex relationships between faith, motherhood, and societal expectations. Consider how Barbari uses the then relatively new medium of engraving to create a sense of depth and texture, inviting the viewer to reflect on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the scene.