The Holy Family with Saint Anne

Art Historical Context

In the heart of the Baroque era, *The Holy Family with Saint* (ca. 1625–35) captures a tender domestic moment from Christian iconography: the Virgin Mary, Christ Child, Saint Joseph, and Saint Anne gathered in intimate devotion. Designed by the masterful Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, dramatic compositions and lush humanism defined the Baroque style, this engraving was executed by Schelte Adams à Bolswert, a leading reproductive engraver, with possible involvement from Anthony Bonenfant. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this second state of two—measuring 16 5/8 × 13 1/8 inches—reflects refinements typical of printmaking iterations, enhancing details for broader appeal. Engraving, an intaglio technique where lines are incised into a metal plate and inked under pressure, allowed Rubens' vibrant oil paintings to reach a wider audience beyond elite patrons. Bolswert's skilled translation preserves Rubens' characteristic energy: swirling drapery, soft modeling of flesh, and emotional depth, making sacred figures relatable and reverent. Prints like this were vital during the Counter-Reformation, disseminating Catholic imagery to inspire faith among the faithful. This work exemplifies 17th-century collaborative artistry, bridging painting and print to democratize high art. Visitors will appreciate its meticulous lines evoking Rubens' grandeur, a testament to how engravings immortalized Baroque splendor for generations.

About the Artist

Anthony Bonenfant|Schelte Adams à Bolswert|Peter Paul Rubens (Italian| |Flemish) · 1575 |1600 |1598 –1642 |1700 |1644

Italian, Bologna 1575–1642 Bologna| |Flemish, active by 1598–died 1644 Paris