Die Heilige Familie mit dem Engel c. 1550 - 1570

Ruggiero de Ruggieri, who was from Bologna, created this drawing, titled "Die Heilige Familie mit dem Engel", sometime in the mid-16th century. The image's visual codes and cultural references point to the religious and artistic context of the time. The drawing portrays a biblical scene; the Holy Family with the addition of an angel. This imagery was promoted by the Catholic Church as part of its Counter-Reformation efforts to reaffirm traditional doctrines. Bolognese artists, in particular, played a significant role in shaping the visual language of religious art during this period. To understand the artwork better, we can research the artistic conventions, religious beliefs, and patronage networks prevalent in Bologna during the 16th century. Examining the historical context helps us appreciate how the drawing reflects and reinforces the social structures of its time.