Art Institute of Chicago

The Holy Family with Saints

Léon Davent (French, active 1540-1560)

Date

1540/55

Medium

Etching in black with engraving on ivory laid paper, tipped onto cream wove paper

Culture

France

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Here the Fontainebleau School etcher Léon Davent brought his bold etching style to a traditional subject, the sacred conversation. The many figures surrounding the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and Saint Joseph engage with them in discussion, as well as worship. These include Saint John the Baptist (embracing Christ), Saint John the Evangelist, and Mary Magdalene. Davent made many prints after the influential Italian artist Primaticcio, who was active in Francis I’s service at Fontainebleau. This etching may derive from a Parmigianino drawing for Saint John the Evangelist, and a Lavinia Fontana drawing for other elements (both works are in the Musée du Louvre).

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