The Holy Family and St. John
early 17thâmid- 17th century
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-2815
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, *The Holy Family and St John* is a captivating depiction of a timeless Christian scene: Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, and the St. John the Baptist. by an unknown artist during the early to mid-17th century, this exemplifies the devotional art popular in that era, when religious imagery flourished amid the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on faith and family piety. Though the medium remains unidentified as research continues, the painting's classification as "figures" highlights its focus on intimate human forms, a hallmark of Baroqu...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...