The Holy Family with the infant Saint John the Baptist

Art Historical Context

This etching from 1760–70 captures the tender intimacy of the Holy Family alongside the infant Saint John the Baptist, a beloved devotional subject in Christian art. Created through the delicate process of etching with brown wash, the print combines fine linear detail with subtle tonal shading to evoke warmth and depth, allowing the figures to emerge softly from the page. Measuring just over 15 by 11 inches, its trimmed sheet suggests it was designed for personal contemplation or collection rather than grand display. The work reflects the enduring appeal of religious narratives in eighteenth-century Europe, where prints made sacred scenes accessible beyond church walls. Attributed to Giacomo Cavedone and Andrea Scacciati, it bridges earlier Baroque traditions with later reproductive printmaking, highlighting how such techniques preserved and disseminated important compositions. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1933 through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, this piece now offers visitors a glimpse into the technical artistry and spiritual resonance of the period’s graphic works.

About the Artist

Giacomo Cavedone|Andrea Scacciati · 1577–1660

Italian, Sassuolo 1577–1660 Bologna