The restrained scene of the 'holy family' is signed and dated 1509. The family is depicted as an everyday family; Mary and the Christ child are shown in a warm, deep relationship. What is remarkable is the presence of Joseph, who is not, as customary, shown as a figure in the background. He looks at the spectator and is shown on equal footing with Mary and her child. This is also important in the composition: the dark, bearded face of Joseph contasts with the pale, veiled face of Mary. The small size suggests that this was intended as a devotion piece for private use.
Specifications
| Title | The Holy Family |
|---|---|
| Material and technique | Oil on panel |
| Object type |
Painting
> Painting
> Two-dimensional object
> Art object
|
| Location | This object is in storage |
| Dimensions |
Width 38,6 cm Height 30,9 cm |
|---|---|
| Artists |
Painter:
Albrecht Dürer
|
| Accession number | 2447 (OK) |
| Credits | Acquired with the collection of D.G. van Beuningen, 1958 |
| Department | Old Masters |
| Acquisition date | 1958 |
| Creation date | in 1509 |
| Collector | Collector / D.G. van Beuningen |
| Internal exhibitions |
The Collection Enriched (2011) Omkijken (2025) |
| Material | |
| Object | |
| Geographical origin | Germany > Western Europe > Europe |
All about the artist
Albrecht Dürer
Neurenberg 1471 - Neurenberg 1528
Albrecht Dürer received his first lessons from his father, who was a goldsmith. He subsequently became a pupil of the painter Michael Wohlgemut. Dürer...
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