The Holy Family, by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, c. 1528 - c. 1530
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The Holy Family

Also titled Erard de la Marck & De Heilige familie

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen (Beverwijk, ca. –ca.)

c. 1528 - c. 1530

Medium
panel, oil paint (paint)
Classification
painting
Dimensions
support: height 64.3 cm x width 54.5 cm
Museum
Rijksmuseum
Credit line
On loan from the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, Amersfoort
Rights
Public Domain Mark, as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

View at the Rijksmuseum

About this work

Cardinal Erard de la Marck was one of the most powerful men in the Low Countries. He was the confidant of Charles V and of Margaret of Austria, who was governor of the Netherlands. His portrait and the accompanying painting of The Holy Family deviate from the traditions of the time. The cardinal is not depicted in devout prayer, but gesturing with his hands as though speaking. Even more exceptional is the fact that he, and not the Holy Family, occupy the heraldically most important position on the left side.