Holy Family with St. Anne
c. 1590-1595 Museo del Prado, Madrid
About this artwork
This painting depicts the Virgin Mary breastfeeding the Christ Child, flanked by Saint Anne to her left and Saint Joseph to her right. The figures are rendered with El Greco's characteristic elongated forms and dramatic use of vibrant colors, set against a dynamic, cloud-filled sky.
Did you know?
El Greco, meaning 'The Greek,' was born Doménikos Theotokópoulos in Crete before moving to Italy and later settling in Toledo, Spain, where he developed his unique Mannerist style. His distinctive use of elongated figures and vibrant, often contrasting, colors made his work easily recognizable and influential, though he was largely forgotten after his death until his rediscovery in the 19th century. This specific depiction of the Holy Family highlights the intimate and tender side of religious iconography, a departure from some of the more austere portrayals of the period.
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Holy Family with St. Anne
El Greco, c. 1590-1595
