Holy Family

When the founders of Dulwich Picture Gallery purchased this painting at the end of the eighteenth century, it was one of a handful of versions of the same subject which had found their way onto British shores. It depicts the moment where Mary, her infant son Jesus, and Saint Joseph, have paused for rest during their journey to Egypt. Though it is difficult to make out due to the condition of the painting, the trio are seated outside – foliage and open sky can be glimpsed in the left background.  

This painting is a simplified version of an early work by the Italian artist Francesco Albani (1578-1660) in the collection at Brocklesby Park, Lincolnshire. Other versions can be found in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and at Tafton Park, Cheshire. Albani trained under the Carracci family of artists in Bologna in Italy, and later moved to Rome with fellow artist Guido Reni (1575-1642). There, Albani produced large works in fresco as well as small paintings. This small painting of the holy family is on copper – a support which gave a smooth surface and emphasised delicate brushwork. Such works were popular among private collectors.