The Holy Family 17th-18th century

Editor: Here we have Jacobus Coelemans' "The Holy Family." It's monochrome and has a very intimate feel. What story do you think it's telling? Curator: Intimate is a great word for it. Look at the way the figures huddle together, almost a single unit of care and protection. It feels like a quiet moment, a pause amidst…everything else. What do you make of the cherubic figures swirling around the central group? Editor: They seem like they're adding an element of playfulness to an otherwise serious scene. Curator: Exactly! Perhaps Coelemans is suggesting that even within the most sacred of narratives, there’s room for lightness and joy. It's a delicate balance, isn't it? This makes me wonder if Coelemans had children. It has that feel. Editor: That's a wonderful thought to ponder. I'll certainly look at it in a different light now! Curator: And I see the image with fresh eyes, too!