Heilige Familie met Johannes de Doper en Elisabet after 1535

This chiaroscuro woodcut, "Holy Family with John the Baptist and Elizabeth", portrays a biblical scene by an anonymous artist. The print depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, along with John the Baptist and Elizabeth, set against a backdrop of classical architecture and natural elements. Prints like this one, made in the absence of a known artist, were often produced for popular consumption, circulating religious imagery among a broad audience. The use of chiaroscuro, employing contrasts of light and shadow, adds depth and drama to the scene, characteristic of the period's artistic techniques. Italy at this time was steeped in religious tradition, with the Catholic Church playing a central role in cultural life. To fully appreciate the print’s significance, one might explore the history of printmaking, religious art, and the social functions of imagery in disseminating religious beliefs. Such interdisciplinary work enables a richer understanding of the artwork’s cultural role.