Painting and Sculpture

A Meat Stall with the Holy Family Giving Alms

A Meat Stall with the Holy Family Giving Alms is a painting by the Dutch artist Pieter Aertsen (1508–1575). It was completed in 1551. A large painting, it depicts a peasant market scene, with an abundance of meats and other foods. In the background, it shows a scene from the biblical theme of the flight into Egypt, where the Virgin Mary is seen stopped on the road, giving alms to the poor. Thus, although the painting seems to be at first sight an ordinary still life concentrating on foodstuffs, it is rich with symbolism; it in fact hides a symbolic religious meaning, and embodies a visual metaphor encouraging spiritual life. Aertsen made a name for himself during the 1550s painting scenes from everyday life in a naturalistic manner.

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See also

• ▸Breton Brother and Sister
• ▸Bodleian Library, MS Rawlinson B 502
• ▸Fine art

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