Why it matters
The young Jesus has cut his hand on a nail in Joseph's workshop, foreshadowing the crucifixion, while the boy John the Baptist brings water. Its unidealised realism made it extremely controversial, most famously in a scathing review by Charles Dickens.
Did you know?
- It was painted in 1849–1850.
- It brought the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood notoriety.
- A dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, sits on a ladder in the background.
- The sheep seen through the door stand for the future Christian flock.
Based on the Wikipedia article Christ in the House of His Parents (CC BY-SA 4.0).
