Holy Family with st Francis by Rubens 1630



Rubens is most known for his highly charged compositions that reference aspects of classical and Christian history. His altarpieces, portraits, and landscapes of mythological and allegorical subjects give a true glimpse of the concerns and climate of the times in which he lived.

In this scene, Saint Francis adores the Holy Child, who is in the arms of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also present is St. Anne, Mary's mother, her husband, St. Joseph, and a young St. John the Baptist who is trying to reach the Holy Child.

Saint Francis braces himself as he leans to admire baby Jesus. This colorful work was achieved by the author's particular drawing method known as contour lines drawing style. The author modified the composition of the painting, intensifying the friar’s movement and the Virgin’s posture. 

Peter Paul Rubens was born in 1577 and passed away in 1640. His life started at the end of the Northern Renaissance era and in the middle of the Catholic Church Reformation. Oil on canvas by Peter Paul Rubens (1630)

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