The Holy Family represents one of Jordaens’ favourite themes painted over some two decades up to c1630, often with a usual degree of intimacy. The model for the child is usually considered to be one of the artist’s sons, in this instance born c1625 which would date the picture a year or two later.  There is a strong contrast between the elaborate symbolism of the Christ Child holding the rosary and the angel bringing the grapes, and the powerful realism of all the models.

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