Holy Family c. 17th century

Curator: This is William Faithorne the Elder’s “Holy Family,” held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s striking! The light and shadow in this print give it such a dramatic, almost theatrical feel. Curator: Indeed. Faithorne, working in the 17th century, presents a deeply gendered, hierarchical vision. Consider Mary's central, nurturing role versus Joseph's more distant posture. How does this reinforce period expectations? Editor: I see the composition as crafted to emphasize the family's connection to the land and its resources. The figures are grounded by the sheep, the trees, the stone structures – all speaking to the idea of sustenance. Curator: And there’s certainly a spiritual element too; the inclusion of the lamb alludes to Christ’s future sacrifice. Contextually, this work speaks to the era’s religious and social anxieties. Editor: These prints were widely accessible, so I wonder how the average person processed the imagery and the materials used to create it. Curator: A vital question, considering the artwork's goal: to instruct, to inspire... and, perhaps, to subtly control. Editor: This examination definitely highlights the complex layers embedded within the work.