Holy Family with Saints 1610 - 1642

This etching, "Holy Family with Saints," by Pierre Brebiette (1598-1642), depicts a scene of adoration. Mary sits with baby Jesus, and the figures of St. Joseph and two unnamed saints surround them. The scene appears to take place in a domestic setting, perhaps suggesting a sense of familiarity and intimacy for the viewer. The etching's small scale and detailed lines create a sense of depth and realism, typical of Brebiette's work. It's a poignant and tender portrayal of the Holy Family, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.