Holy Family and Saint John the Baptist

The iconographic theme of the Holy Family, comprised of the Virgin, Saint Joseph, and the Child, was one of the most represented in New Granada’s visual art. Jesus’ family thus became the model par excellence of the Christian family. 

In the old church of Santa Clara, the repeated presence of this iconography on the walls of the building confirms the relevance and fervor that the theme of Jesus’ family aroused in the Poor Clares. 

In this composition, the Virgin, located on the left, joins her hands in prayer. The rosary that accompanies her prayer not only reinforces the pictorial action but also highlights the importance of this devotional practice during the Colony. 

To the right of the image we see Saint Joseph, who, while looking at the Child, holds in his left hand the flowering rod, an attribute of the saint that refers to the scene in which Mary chose him as her future husband. 

On the lower side of the image, the Child sleeps, reclining on a pillow, covered with sheets and blankets. His half-naked torso suggests purity and innocence. 

The images of the Holy Family allowed the Poor Clares to learn about the life and family of Jesus, who would become their mystical husband at the moment of his death. 

The Poor Clares were also deeply devoted to the Nativity of Jesus and the figure of Saint Joseph. 

During the dates commemorating the birth of Christ or the solemnity of the saint, they decorated the church with the best finery.