Holy Family in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 2018

Holy Family

Artist:Niclaus Weckmann (1481–1528)

Date:ca. 1500

Culture:South German

Medium:Limewood with traces of paint and gilding

Dimensions:Overall: 31 7/8 x 19 11/16 x 7 3/4 in. (81 x 50 x 19.7 cm)

Classification:Sculpture-Wood

Credit Line:Gift of Alastair Bradley Martin, 1948

Accession Number:48.154.1

This engaging group of the Virgin and Child with Saint Joseph was once the centerpiece of a large altarpiece. The Virgin and Child face in the same direction as the Child raises his right hand in blessing. Their posture suggests they may have been part of Holy Kinship group with Saint Anne or of an Adoration of the Magi. The orb in his left hand symbolizes Christ’s role as spiritual ruler of the world.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/468257