An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
The Holy Kinship, Geertgen tot Sint Jans (workshop of), c. 1495h 137.2cm × w 105.8cm
Geertgen tot Sint Jans
oil on panel
In that tranquil moment within the dimly lit medieval church, a serene gathering encapsulates a family bound by faith and love. The stone walls, cool and imposing, cradle this intimate assembly known as the Holy Family, or as they are tenderly referred to in Dutch, the "maagschap," an ancient term that speaks of kinship and unity.
To the left, bathed in a gentle blue hue, sits the Virgin Mary. Draped in her blue robe, she embodies a quiet strength, her eyes reflecting the depth of her divine purpose as she cradles her infant son, Jesus, in her arms. Nearby, her mother, Anna, observes with warmth and pride, the corner of her lips lifting in a soft smile as she witnesses the promise of hope and redemption that rests in Mary’s embrace.
Behind them, two humble men, Joseph and Joachim, stand like sturdy pillars, their presence a silent vow of protection and devotion. Each husband represents not just familial connection but a legacy of love and duty, their hands clasped together as if in prayer, anchored in the moment.
Seated to the right, casting a glimpse of light amid the shadows, is Mary’s cousin, Elisabeth. With eyes twinkling in anticipation, she sits beside her own son, John the Baptist. The air subtly vibrates with the energy of prophecy, as if even the stones of this medieval church could sense the monumental paths these young mothers and their sons would tread.
This gathering of souls, woven with gratitude and destiny, stands testament to a profound narrative: a blend of human intimacy and divine purpose, all held within the sacred walls of their faith. In this sanctuary, time feels suspended, and the stories of their lives intertwine like the delicate threads of a tapestry, forever echoing through the corridors of history.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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