An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Holy Family with Saints Anne and Catherine of AlexandriaJusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto)
Spanish, Játiva 1591–1652 Naples
1648
82 1/2 x 60 3/4 in. (209.6 x 154.3 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Samuel D. Lee Fund, 1934
In Jusepe de Ribera's "The Holy Family with Saints Anne and Catherine of Alexandria," we are drawn into a moment of serene intimacy. The focus is on the tender connection between the Virgin Mary and her child, Jesus. Wrapped in rich, vibrant colors, Mary’s blue and red robes symbolize both purity and passion, while the warm tones of Anne’s dress create a comforting atmosphere.
The softness of their expressions suggests a time of reflection and love. Jesus reaches out with innocence and curiosity, embodying the hope of humanity. Behind them, the figures of Saints Anne and Catherine quietly observe, adding layers of guidance and wisdom. Anne, the grandmother, represents lineage and strength, while Catherine, often depicted with a wheel, symbolizes enlightenment and resilience.
The background remains dark and simple, allowing the figures to emerge almost glowing in the light, enhancing the sense of tranquility in their unity. This artwork invites viewers to contemplate family bonds and the nurturing presence of women throughout history. Each glance rewards us with a deeper understanding of love, faith, and connection in a peaceful moment captured for eternity.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
The best place to view The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.