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Holy Family

Carlo Maratti

  • Holy Family 2
  • Holy Family 3
Basic information
ID
Ж-777
Author
Carlo Maratti
Name
Holy Family
Technique
oil painting
Material
duplicated canvas oil
Dimensions (height x width, cm)
85 x 85
Additionally
Information about author
Author
Carlo Maratti
Artist's lifetime
1625–1713
Country
Italy
Object description
The tondo painting reproduces an iconographic scene of the Holy Family with angels. The artist masterfully employs soft, intimate lighting, smooth chiaroscuro, and a warm golden palette.
In the centre of the composition, the Mother of God is depicted with the Infant Christ. The Virgin Mary bends over Him, her face filled with tenderness and maternal adoration. She is attired in a traditional pink dress and a blue maphorion, with an ochre headscarf covering her head.
The little Jesus, completely naked, lies on a white swaddling cloth and sleeps soundly. In religious art, such an image of Christ symbolically alludes to His future death on the cross and the shroud.
To the right of the Mother of God stands Saint Joseph, gazing at the Son with focus and care. In his right hand, he holds a traditional staff topped with almond blossoms.
In the upper left corner of the painting, two little cherubs are depicted on a small white cloud. They observe the Holy Family with childish curiosity and reverence.
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery