Heilige Familie met Johannes de Doper en Elisabet 1769 - 1798

Anker Smith's "Heilige Familie met Johannes de Doper en Elisabet" (Holy Family with John the Baptist and Elizabeth), created between 1769-1798, is a black and white engraving currently located in the Rijksmuseum. This work depicts a traditional scene of the Holy Family, with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, joined by John the Baptist and Elizabeth. The composition is typical of Renaissance art, with the figures arranged in a pyramidal formation, emphasizing the divine presence. The artist's use of light and shadow adds depth and dimension, creating a sense of realism. The engraving also exhibits the characteristic stippling technique, creating subtle variations in tonal value and texture, characteristic of engravings.