Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog number |
P58 |
Artist |
Reni, Guido |
Title |
The Holy Family |
Date |
17th Century |
Object Name |
Etching |
Description |
Among the most beautiful of Guido Reni's etchings "The Holy Family" demonstrates both his debt and independence from the sixteenth-century printer and etcher Parmigianino. Like Parmigianino, Reni used a very sketchy etching technique, but with reinforcement (perhaps in drypoint) in dark areas. This is the most noticeable in the body of the Virgin, where the shadows of the folds of drapery are deeply etched lines that both define the breasts and give them weight. he interest in Parmigianino's etching technique is matched by adaptation of his figure types, like St. Joseph with his swirling hair and beard. But the Virgin lacks all the eccentric phisiognomic aspects of Parmigianino's; her proportions are much more normal. Having dated to c. 1610 -1615, this print shows Reni's continuing interest in sixteenth-century styles, particularly those that stressed grace in the figures and restraint in the emotional tone. |
Medium/Material |
Ink on paper |
Dimensions |
H-9 W-6 inches |
Year Range from |
1610 |
Year Range to |
1615 |
Exhibition and Publication History |
* "Italian Art, 15th to 18th Century: Selections from the Permanent Col.," G-TM, 1986, # 7, ill. and discussion p. 16, Suzanna Simor, Curator. |
Culture |
Italian |