Heilige Familie 1623 - 1664

This engraving of The Holy Family was etched by François Chauveau in the 17th century. At the center, we see Mary cradling the infant Jesus, an intimate depiction of maternal love. Hovering beside them is John the Baptist, a visual foreshadowing of Jesus's future. The positioning of figures in an outdoor setting reflects the motifs found in classical pastoral scenes. We see this echo in works like Giorgione’s "Adoration of the Shepherds." The gesture of Mary gently holding Jesus has been rendered across time, from Byzantine icons to Renaissance paintings. The symbol of the halo around their heads, signifying divinity, takes us back to ancient Roman art, where it was used to indicate power. It is as if the image is a vessel, carrying cultural memories across time and space, touching us on a subconscious level. The scene evokes universal emotions and cultural memories, which connect viewers across time. Its power lies in how it has evolved, resurfaced, and taken on new meanings throughout history.