The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist

The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist is an oil on canvas painting created by Nicolas Poussin sometime between 1622 and 1632. This early work showcases the artist's developing classicizing style, produced while Poussin, a foundational figure of French classicism, was establishing his career in Rome. The composition demonstrates a clear narrative structure and controlled approach, contrasting with the intense drama favored by many of his Baroque contemporaries.

The painting focuses on the intimate depiction of the central religious theme of the Holy Family, specifically featuring the Madonna and Child. The key element of the narrative is the interaction between the Infants: the young Saint John the Baptist is shown presenting adoration or a symbolic object to the Christ Child. Poussin utilizes idealized figures and serene expressions to explore the spiritual depth of the connection between these key biblical characters. The arrangement of figures follows the classical principle of balance, utilizing robust coloring and a sculptural handling of drapery that underscores the spiritual exchange within the family unit.

This masterwork is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The canvas provides valuable insight into Poussin’s transitionary period before he fully cemented his mature classical style, offering a quiet yet powerful meditation on the subject of the Holy Family. Prints and high-resolution images of this religiously significant scene are frequently made available through public domain archives, ensuring the work’s continued study and appreciation as a significant example of 17th-century European painting.