Holy Family c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jonas Umbach’s etching, "Holy Family." It feels intimate and domestic. What can you tell me about the way this image might have been received at the time? Curator: This piece likely catered to a growing demand for accessible religious imagery. Prints allowed wider audiences to engage with biblical scenes, influencing popular piety and reinforcing social norms around family. Editor: So, its value wasn't purely artistic? Curator: Not at all. Think of the power of repeated imagery. How did the circulation of images like this one shape perceptions of the ideal family, or even the Church itself? Editor: I see how its accessibility could make it influential. Thanks, that’s a great perspective! Curator: Indeed. It's a reminder that art often plays a vital role in shaping collective beliefs and cultural values.