Presentation Sketch for "The Holy Family with Saints Anne, Joachim, and John the Baptist" (for Santa Maria in Via Lata, Roma)

c. 1729

Francesco Trevisani

(Italian, 1656–1746)

Culture

Italy, 18th century

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

Framed: 179 x 127.5 x 6.5 cm (70 1/2 x 50 3/16 x 2 9/16 in.); Unframed: 158 x 106.7 cm (62 3/16 x 42 in.)

Credit Line

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1974.108

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Location

Not on view

Description

During the early 1700s, Roman artists returned to fundamental Christian subjects, especially those focused on the Christ child. This work presents the Holy Family with Christ’s maternal grandparents and baby cousin, John the Baptist, stressing the importance of family relationships. Saints Anne and Joachim hold books, probably representing the Old Testament, reinforcing Christianity’s connection to the older Hebrew tradition. Trevisani’s tender visual language also looks explicitly back to Guido Reni, whose graceful approach to religious art remained immensely inspirational throughout the century.