The Holy Family, 'Trinitas terrestris'
Anthony van Dyck·1626
Historical Context
The Holy Family (Trinitas terrestris) from 1626 depicts the earthly Trinity of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, a devotional concept that paralleled the heavenly Trinity. The subject was popular in Counter-Reformation art as an affirmation of the sanctity of the family. Van Dyck's portraits defined aristocratic self-presentation across Europe, his elongated elegance and atmospheric painting technique establishing a model for formal portraiture that dominated British art until the nineteenth century.
Technical Analysis
Van Dyck renders the holy family with intimate warmth and rich color, using the interplay of the three figures to create a composition of domestic tenderness elevated to sacred significance.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the intimate warmth and rich color as the three figures create domestic tenderness elevated to sacred significance.
- ◆Look at the devotional concept of the earthly Trinity — Jesus, Mary, and Joseph paralleling the heavenly Trinity.
- ◆Observe this 1626 subject popular in Counter-Reformation art affirming the sanctity of the family.
