The Holy Family with St. John the Baptist and Three Angels

The engraving The Holy Family with St John and Three Angels was produced in 1581 after the now−missing drawing by Bartholomeus Spranger. The print was dedicated to Wolfgang Rumpf, a Carinthian nobleman, who made a rapid career in the services of Rudolf II and assumed the highly influential post of Imperial Chamberlain to the Emperor. The engraving was probably made in Cologne, the same year that Jan Sadeler was granted a privilege by Emperor Rudolf II ensuring him copyright protection against potential forgers. The lyrical scene portrays the Holy Family with St John the Baptist and three angels, who are singing and playing the harp. As can be read in the inscription at the bottom of the sheet, the Holy Family is engaged in studying Scripture that is held by the Infant Jesus, who is sitting on Mary’s lap.