The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John. nn This beautiful work, painted in 1660, offers a tender glimpse into a scene of familial love and devotion. The artist, whose name remains unknown, masterfully captures the intimacy of the moment. Notice how the Virgin Mary, draped in a rich blue robe, gazes down at the Christ Child with a look of utter adoration. The Christ Child, in turn, reaches out with a delicate hand, his expression innocent and pure. nn The composition is a triangle, drawing our eyes to the heart of the scene: the connection between mother and child. The warm, muted colors and the play of light and shadow further enhance the sense of closeness. The artist's technique, typical of the period, uses subtle gradations of tone to create a sense of volume and depth, making the figures appear remarkably lifelike. nn The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love and faith. It invites us to pause and reflect on the profound tenderness at the heart of this sacred family. We are fortunate to have this treasure in the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery collection, allowing us to connect with the artistic traditions and spiritual beliefs of the past.