The Holy Family c. 1750s

Donato Creti rendered "The Holy Family" in ink on paper, likely sometime in the early 18th century. Creti worked during a period of immense social change and evolving religious thought in Europe. While he was commissioned to paint religious paintings by the Pope, it is important to note that the "Holy Family" appears frequently throughout art history. We must then ask, what does Creti bring to this well known trope? Here, Creti presents a more intimate, sketch-like portrayal of the Holy Family. This informal presentation may reflect the era’s shifting attitudes towards religion and family, moving towards more personal and relatable interpretations of traditional subjects. Notice the halos. While this work honors the traditional composition it is intimate in tone, inviting viewers to consider the human aspects of faith.