The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Infant John the Baptist

The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Infant John the Baptist by El Greco is a powerful example of Spanish-Mannerist painting, executed in oil on canvas between 1595 and 1600. This highly spiritualized composition is a highlight of the artist’s mature period in Toledo and is housed today in the extensive collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Greco, born Domenikos Theotokopoulos, skillfully fused his native Greek cultural traditions with the dramatic stylistic innovations of the late 16th century. The work exemplifies the period of 1551 to 1600, showcasing the characteristic elongation of figures, the vivid, often unnatural coloration, and the intensely focused light source favored by the artist. The composition centers on the Virgin Mary supporting the Christ Child, flanked by Saint Joseph and Saint Anne, the Virgin’s mother. The youthful figure of John the Baptist completes the familial grouping, linking the generations and underscoring the spiritual significance of the scene.

The spiritual restlessness and dramatic dynamism of the painting distinguish it from the classical harmony of earlier Renaissance works. Greco employs sweeping lines and agitated drapery to convey emotional intensity, features typical of Mannerism that anticipated the coming Baroque era. The distinct arrangement and portrayal of the figures reflect the devotional emphasis prevalent in Spanish religious art of the time.

As a significant canvas representing the Greek master's transformative impact on Iberian art, this work remains a central reference point for understanding the history of painting. The National Gallery of Art ensures the long-term preservation of this masterpiece. Today, resources offering high-quality prints and reproductions often categorize images of The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Infant John the Baptist as available for use under public domain terms.