ticketsMember | Make a donation

The Holy Family

ca. 1510–20
Not on view
In this drawing, Gossart depicted the Holy Family sitting on a bench next to a tree, of which we can see only the trunk. The Virgin Mary dangles the naked Christ Child on her lap as he turns his head to look at us. Next to them is Joseph, who offers Mary a flower. Gossart paid a great deal of attention to the drapery folds. Their detailed execution and almost sculptural quality are in contrast to the sketchier, less-worked-out figures. In the background, faint lines seem to indicate first thoughts for a possible architectural setting. The exquisite drawing might have been a preliminary study for an unidentified painting or print. Another possibility is that the drawing was meant to be an independent work, but for an unknown reason the artist left it unfinished. Among the most technically virtuous artists of the early sixteenth century and one of the earliest exponents of Antwerp Mannerism, Gossart worked for a number of influential courts and patrons, including Philip of Burgundy, Adolf of Burgundy, and Christian II, king of Denmark.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Holy Family
  • Artist: Jan Gossart (called Mabuse) (Netherlandish, Maubeuge ca. 1478–1532 Antwerp (?))
  • Date: ca. 1510–20
  • Medium: Pen and two shades of brown ink over remains of black chalk
  • Dimensions: 6 1/8 x 5 in. (15.5 x 12.7 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Eugene V. Thaw Gift, 2001
  • Object Number: 2001.190
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Virgin and Child Seated at the Foot of a Tree
Jan Gossart (called Mabuse)
1522
Christian II, King of Denmark, Jan Gossart (called Mabuse) Netherlandish, Engraving; first state of two
Christian II, King of Denmark
Jan Gossart (called Mabuse)
Jacob Binck
1529
The Marriage of Henry the VIIth and Elizabeth of York, Jan Gossart (called Mabuse) Netherlandish, Etching and engraving on chine collé
The Marriage of Henry the VIIth and Elizabeth of York
Multiple artists/makers
February 15, 1826
The Virgin and Child Seated at the Foot of a Tree, Jan Gossart (called Mabuse) Netherlandish, Engraving
The Virgin and Child Seated at the Foot of a Tree
Jan Gossart (called Mabuse)
1522
Christ Carrying the Cross, Jan Gossart (called Mabuse) Netherlandish, Oil on oak
Christ Carrying the Cross
Jan Gossart (called Mabuse)
ca. 1520–25

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.