Heilige Familie met Johannes de Doper 1772

Robert Laurie created this mezzotint, entitled 'Holy Family with John the Baptist,' sometime in the late 18th century. The subject, rendered in tones of brown and grey, is of course an enduring one. The image presents the Holy Family – Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus – along with a young John the Baptist. The composition invites us to reflect on the cultural and religious values of the era. During this period, family and religion were central to social order, and images like this would have reinforced those values. Laurie, working in England, draws on the Italian Renaissance style, notably Raphael, to create an image that evokes reverence and piety. To fully understand this artwork, we can turn to sources that shed light on the social and religious context of the 18th century. Contemporary sermons, moral treatises, and domestic advice manuals would provide invaluable insights into the cultural values that this image both reflected and reinforced. By examining this print through the lens of social and institutional history, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its enduring appeal.