The Holy Family
Bologna, about 1530
Engraving
Paper: 210 x 254 mm; Mount: 404 x 557
The Holy Family is shown on sojourn in Egypt. The Gospel of St Luke (1: 47) states that when Mary was told that she would conceive, St John leapt for Joy in Elizabeth`s womb. Here, he dances round a distaff, to represent the spinning of the thread of life. Like his better-known father, Francesco, Jacopo was a goldsmith, sculptor and painter as well as a printmaker. The composition of this print betrays the strong influence of Raphael. The artist is also known under the name Giacomo Francia.
Purchased 1958 (No. 58.15)