Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and the Young John the Baptist

1568

Orazio de Santis, after Pompeo Cesura

Associated Names
Orazio de Santis

Artist, Italian, active 1568 - 1584

Pompeo Cesura

Artist After, Italian, died 1571

The image shows three adult figures and one child. The central adult figure, shown from the waist up, is seated and holding a child in her arms. She is positioned slightly to the right and appears to be looking down at the child. Her facial features are soft, with a serene expression, and she has wavy hair partially covered by a cloth, with a halo above her head. She is draped in flowing garments. The child she holds is nude, with curly hair, and sits on her lap. To the lower left, a small winged cherub is shown standing, holding a slender object. To the right of the central figure, an older man with curly hair and a beard sits, shown from the waist up, with his head resting on his hand. Another figure is partially visible on the far left, shrouded in drapery. The background features a draped curtain creating an intimate setting, with a glimpse of architectural elements to the right.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Purchased as the Gift of Robert B. Loper

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 24.77 × 18.73 cm (9 3/4 × 7 3/8 in.) cut within platemark

  • Accession Number

    2015.13.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bartsch no. 4, State i/ii


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Jan Johnson, Quebec); purchased 2015 by NGA

Associated Names

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821: no 4, i/ii

Inscriptions

lower center in image: Pompeius Aquil. invent / 1568 Horatius de Sanctis Aquilanus fec.

Wikidata ID

Q77008395

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