Hans Holbein, "Family of the Artist"


 Let's go way back in history for this week's painting.  Hans Holbein, The Younger  (1497 or 1498 - 1543)  and Albrecht Durer were the great artists of Northern Europe in the 16th century.  But the religious Reformation was making life difficult as religious images were ban by many of the new Protestants.  So, Holbein, born in Augsburg, Germany, and living in Basel, Switzerland, transferred for a time to England.  Here he could make a living painting portraits of the nobility, indeed, one of his most famous is of Henry VIII done in 1540.  

   On one trip back to Basel he did this portrait of his wife, Eisbeth and his two eldest children, Philipp (born around 1522) and Katherina (around 1526). 
   I bring you this tender image for two reasons.  First, please look at the faces.  No one looks particularly happy, especially Eisbeth.  One reference I have suggests she was ill, and this could be.  She has her hands on both her children, tenderly holding them close.  It is a warm and touching image, almost reminding us of religious madonna and child iconography.   

   Second:  this painting was originally done on paper then later it was cut out around the edges of the figures and stuck down to the dark wood panel.  My assumption is this was for preservation purposes.  My sources do not indicate if Holbein did this himself, or others.   
   Family of the Artist was done between 1528-1529.   It measures 30.3 inches by 25.1.  It is an oil and tempera on paper mounted on wood and can be found at the Offentliche Kunstsammlung, Basel, Switzerland.  
Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. Char HarguthOctober 13, 2020 at 7:50 AM

    Looking at this painting makes me sad. But how did he paint such emotion into their faces? So skillful. Why did he expose so much of Eisbeth's upper body, shoulders, breast. Maybe to bring the three faces into prominence. She is a caring mother with gentle hands. It's amazing how he cut around and preserved it. The limited palette makes a strong beautiful painting. Gives me a feeling of empathy.

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    Replies
    1. Art Expert On LineOctober 14, 2020 at 8:19 AM

      Yes, Char, I was wondering about the amount of Eisbeth's exposed skin, too, but have no answer. I would assume when having her portrait painted, she would wear her best dress, so probably it was the style of the day. But, then again, knowing that her artist husband, spent most of his time in England, maybe she wanted to look a little provocative, even when ill? We will never know. As with most art, it stands on its own, allowing the viewer to interpret.

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