The Holy Family (Collinson painting) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Holy Family |
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Artist | James Collinson |
Year | 1878 |
Medium | Oil on canvas |
Dimensions | 110.5 cm × 85.1 cm (43.5 in × 33.5 in) |
The Holy Family is a famous oil painting created by the artist James Collinson. He was part of a group called the Pre-Raphaelites. This painting shows the Holy Family, which includes Jesus as a baby, his mother Mary, and his earthly father Joseph.
Collinson painted this artwork in 1878. At that time, he was living in a region of France called Brittany. The town you see in the background of the painting might be Saint-Malo, a coastal city in Brittany.
Contents
What is the Holy Family Painting About?
This painting shows a peaceful scene with baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. While this exact moment isn't described in the Bible's Gospels, many artists before Collinson also painted similar family scenes. It was a popular subject in art, especially during the Renaissance period.
Symbolism in the Painting
You might notice a dove in the painting. In art, a dove often represents the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is believed to have appeared as a dove when Jesus was baptized. This adds a special, spiritual meaning to the family scene.
Art Style and Details
The painting shows a lot of tiny details, especially in the plants and flowers. This very detailed style is similar to Collinson's earlier works from his time with the Pre-Raphaelite group. It's interesting because it's different from some of his other paintings made around the same time. The Pre-Raphaelites were known for their love of bright colors and incredible detail.