La Sainte Famille (The Holy Family) 1839 - 1885

Rodolphe Bresdin’s etching *La Sainte Famille (The Holy Family)* from 1839-1885, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. Bresdin, known for his detailed and often fantastical imagery, utilizes a dark, almost shadowy aesthetic in this etching. The scene is densely packed with figures and symbolic details, creating a sense of mystery and depth, characteristic of his unique style. The etching is a testament to Bresdin’s skill in manipulating light and shadow, resulting in a powerful and evocative depiction of the Holy Family.