The Holy Family with the infant Saint John kissing Christ's feet

Art Historical Context

In the intimate etching *The Holy Family with the Saint John Kissing Christ's Feet*, created between 1640 and 1660, Italian artist Giulio Carpioni captures a tender moment of divine devotion. Collaborating with Matteo Cadorin, Carpioni renders the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, the Christ Child, and the young Saint John in a compact composition trimmed to 9 5/16 × 6 1/16 inches. This second state of two reflects refinements in the printing process, showcasing the meticulous revisions typical of 17th-century printmaking. Etching, a technique where acid bites into a metal plate to create fine lines, allowed Carpioni—known for his Baroque sensitivity to light, shadow, and emotion—to produce affordable reproductions of religious scenes. Rooted in the Counter-Reformation era, such images reinforced Catholic piety, inviting viewers to contemplate Christ's humility as the infant John adores his feet. Carpioni's Venetian training infuses the work with graceful figures and atmospheric depth, bridging painting and print traditions. A gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art from Henry Walters in 1917, this print exemplifies how etchings democratized art, making sacred narratives accessible beyond elite patrons. Visitors today can appreciate its delicate lines and spiritual warmth in the Drawings and Prints department.

About the Artist

Giulio Carpioni|Matteo Cadorin · 1613–1678

Comment on works: Allegory; Mythology