Christ Between His Parents Returning from the Temple 1620 - 1966

This etching, Christ Between His Parents Returning from the Temple, was made by Baron Dominique Vivant Denon, sometime around the late 18th or early 19th century. Denon has used a metal plate and acid to create the design. It's a skillful demonstration of the etcher's craft, using precise lines to create shadow and volume, and to depict this biblical narrative. Look closely, and you can see how the varying density of the hatched lines creates a sense of depth, drawing your eye into the landscape behind the figures. The artist is using a traditionally trained technique to create an intimate and personal image. Denon had an interesting career outside of art. He was appointed by Napoleon as director of museums and oversaw the creation of the Louvre. This etching shows an intimate portrait of a family on a journey, while also being a product of a burgeoning market for prints and multiples. This piece sits at the intersection of craft and fine art, a testament to Denon's versatile career.