The Holy Family under the cherry tree.

Engraving, 24,4 x 20 cm, laid paper, signed in the plate at bottom "HGoltzius" (traces of old mount on verso).

Under passe-partout.

In this unusual rendering of the scene, the Holy Family is resting under a cherry tree instead of a date palm. The composition is inspired by Federigo Barocci's painting "Madonna della Scodella", now in the Vatican Collection. The cherries may refer to the blood of the massacred Innocents of Bethlehem. With engr. lower text margin by F. Estius. Very clear impression of the rare 1st state (of 2).
Ref. New Hollstein (Goltzius), 32.1.