The Virgin helping baby Jesus take his first steps

Art Historical Context

In this tender 19th-century wood engraving, Jacinto Enciso captures an intimate moment from the childhood of Christ: the Virgin Mary gently guiding the baby Jesus as he takes his first steps. The scene humanizes the Holy Family, highlighting themes of maternal care and everyday devotion that resonated deeply with Christian audiences of the period. Though little is documented about Enciso himself, his choice of subject reflects a long tradition of devotional imagery that sought to make sacred stories feel close and relatable. The medium of wood engraving was especially well-suited to this purpose. Popular throughout the 1800s, the technique allowed artists to create fine, precise lines that could be reproduced in large numbers for books, periodicals, and prints. This accessibility helped spread religious imagery beyond church walls into homes, making sacred narratives part of daily life for a growing middle class. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1946 as part of the Elisha Whittelsey Collection, the print exemplifies how 19th-century artists used new printmaking methods to blend faith, art, and popular culture. Its modest size invites quiet contemplation, much like the gentle scene it portrays.