The Holy Family Nicolas Poussin Analysis

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I have chosen to do my critical analysis project on The Holy Family on the Steps painting created by Nicolas Poussin. Poussin was a painter of the Baroque Era, he created this painting in the year 1648. This painting was created using oils and a canvas. The interesting thing about oil painting is that they dry slowly, which then gives the artist the ability to rework them. This painting is a very beautiful painting with a larger meaning; according to The Cleveland Museum of Art’s website “it is representing the Holy Family’s role in the redemption of humanity” (The Holy Family on the Steps, 1648, n.d.). In the painting Mary, Christ Child, Saint Elizabeth, Saint John, and Saint Joseph are all represented. Certain things happening in the photo are keys to things that have happened in our past which was also explained by The Cleveland Museum of Art. Saint Elizabeth is said to be leaning …show more content…

Focusing on the area where Christ Child, and Mary are sitting above everyone on the stairs. I feel as though the light is also shown more brightly not only on their faces, but also on their bodies. Everyone else in the painting with the exception of Saint John is represented with more shadow on their faces, Saint Joseph seems to be sitting in a shadow due to him seeming to just blend in with the background of the photo. There are many forms in the background of the painting, including the steps, trees, and the structure’s behind the family. Both tints and shades are used throughout the painting, also there are bright areas of the painting in contrast to the colors of lesser value. The artist used chiaroscuro throughout the photo in the figures they all appear to be three dimensional forms rather than two dimensional. The highlighting featured in this painting is beautifully done, causing the figures to appear as if it was a moment taken right out of

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