The Holy Family with young John the Baptist and Saint Elizabeth, two angels above, after Reni 1615 - 1661

This is Flaminio Torre’s 17th century engraving, “The Holy Family with young John the Baptist and Saint Elizabeth, two angels above,” after Reni. Torre lived during the Baroque era, a time marked by religious and political upheaval. As you can see, this engraving depicts the Virgin Mary, infant Jesus, John the Baptist, Saint Elizabeth, Joseph, and two angels. The figures radiate a sense of serene devotion, typical of religious art at this time. Consider how the concept of family is portrayed here. In the 17th century, the Holy Family was often used to epitomize familial virtues. But it also prompts us to think about the roles of women - Mary and Elizabeth - within the religious and social structures of the time. Were they simply icons of motherhood, or did their stories offer more complex narratives of female strength and resilience? Torre's work allows us to reflect on the enduring power of religious narratives and their impact on shaping cultural values and personal beliefs.