The Holy Kinship (Madonna and Child and St. John) with Prophets and Symbols of the Four Evangelists 1606 - 1688

Joachim von Sandrart's "The Holy Kinship (Madonna and Child and St. John) with Prophets and Symbols of the Four Evangelists" (1606-1688) is a red chalk drawing, depicting the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and St. John the Baptist with prophets and evangelist symbols. The composition features a dynamic arrangement of figures, with the central group of Mary, the Christ Child, and St. John the Baptist elevated on a platform surrounded by a multitude of figures. This elaborate drawing showcases Sandrart’s mastery of figure drawing and his ability to depict a complex scene with great detail. The drawing is a preparatory sketch for a larger painting and offers insight into the artist's creative process.