The Holy Family with Saints John the Baptist and Elizabeth, Ambrosius Francken (I)
In this attractive work the Virgin is seen looking directly at the viewer, her attention momentarily drawn away from her child, who is seated on her lap. Her right hand gently steadies the arm of Christ, who reaches out to touch the hair of the infant John the Baptist. John in turn holds up a small banner inscribed, “ECCE AGNV- DEI,”—“Behold the Lamb of God,” John’s words about Christ at the Baptism (John 1:36). The reed cross, John the Baptist’s customary attribute, is held by his mother, Elizabeth, while Joseph looks down at the scene from the shadowed background.
