The Holy Family with the Infant Baptist

Another treatment of the Holy Family with the young Baptist, this painting reflects the high demand among Sevillian patrons for Murillo's warm devotional works. The infant Baptist's presence alongside the Christ child was theologically rich — John was understood to recognize Jesus even before birth — and gave painters an opportunity to show two holy children in familial tenderness. Murillo's many versions of this subject show variations in pose and mood rather than repetition.

Mary watches the two children interact in a softly lit interior. Murillo's technique at its most characteristic shows in the luminous shadows, the children's soft flesh, and the warm brown and blue tones of the Virgin's garments.