The Holy Family with Angels 1500 - 1600

This anonymous drawing depicts a scene of the Holy Family. The Virgin Mary sits in a chair, holding the Christ Child, who reaches out to his father, Saint Joseph. The Holy Family is surrounded by angels. The drawing is a study for a larger painting, likely done by an artist in Italy during the late 16th century. This piece is a delicate example of the use of line to create a sense of volume and form, and its small size allows for careful attention to detail. The drawing, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the enduring power of this iconic Christian story.