Holy Family with Infant Saint John the Baptist n.d.

Gaspare Diziani created this pen and wash drawing called 'Holy Family with Infant Saint John the Baptist', sometime in the first half of the 18th century in Venice. In this sketch, Diziani imagines an intimate moment between the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, the infant Jesus and Saint John the Baptist. In doing so, Diziani participates in a rich tradition, using these familial scenes to promote a set of values. The drawing has a strong connection to the church, the institution that has historically been one of art’s primary patrons. The Holy Family was a popular subject in Venice at this time, as the city saw itself as a republic closely aligned with the values of the Catholic Church. To better understand this work, one could look at the institution of the Catholic Church in Venice during the 1700s, as well as other family portraits that were popular at the time. Understanding the painting in its social and institutional context allows us to better understand its purpose and function.