Heilige Familie met Johannes en engel 1616 - 1680

Jean Boulanger created this print of the Holy Family with John and an Angel. Notice how the composition is organized around a central pyramidal structure, anchored by the Virgin Mary, who cradles the infant Jesus. This arrangement, common during the Baroque period, emphasizes stability and order. Boulanger uses dynamic lines and intricate cross-hatching to define form and create tonal variations, which animates the scene and injects drama, while the open landscape in the background serves as a stage, enhancing the narrative. The angel, almost weightless, adds to the ethereal quality, while the gaze of Saint Joseph connects us to the earthly realm. The meticulous details in the fabric and the almost sculptural rendering of the figures reflect the Baroque aesthetic. This print isn’t merely a religious depiction; it's an exploration of form, light, and emotion. It demonstrates how artists engage with prevailing aesthetic ideas, reinterpreting them through the lens of their unique artistic vision.