The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist and Saint Elizabeth

One of a group of five paintings of the Holy Family that Poussin produced between 1648 and 1655, this version is distinguished by the extensive landscape and the large bath basin that refers to Christ’s later baptism. Poussin emphasized Christ’s humanity by showing him writhing in fear at his mother’s attempt to bathe him. He receives firm support from the infant Saint John, who is accompanied by his mother, Saint Elizabeth. The classical putti assisting the Virgin could represent the Holy Innocents martyred during King Herod’s attempt to kill the infant Jesus. The landscape in this canvas is the most highly developed representation of nature in this group of paintings. The large lake, the passerby, the carefully placed structures along the water’s edge create a contemplative expanse of natural beauty.