The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist

Andrea del Sarto (Andrea d'Agnolo)

Created:
Movement:
1533
Mannerism
key Notes:
Harmonious Composition; Soft Chiaroscuro
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Dimensions:
53 1/2 x 39 5/8 in. (135.9 x 100.6 cm)
medium:
Oil on wood
Difficulty:
Easy
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story of the work:

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The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist

Artist: Andrea del Sarto (Andrea d'Agnolo)

Year: 1533

Medium: Oil on wood

Artistic and Historical Impact

The painting "The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist" exemplifies Andrea del Sarto's mastery in the use of color and composition, characteristic of the High Renaissance period. Del Sarto's work is noted for its harmonious balance and serene figures, reflecting the influence of Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. This piece contributes to the understanding of religious iconography during the Renaissance, portraying a tender interaction between the Holy Family and Saint John the Baptist. The painting's refined technique and emotional depth highlight del Sarto's role in advancing the Florentine school of painting. His work had a significant impact on later artists, including his pupils Jacopo Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino, who were instrumental in the development of Mannerism.

Biographical Context

Andrea del Sarto was an influential Italian painter born in Florence in 1486. He was known for his technical skill and was often referred to as "Andrea senza errori" (Andrea without errors) due to his precise execution. Del Sarto's career was marked by his ability to blend the innovations of his contemporaries with his unique style, making him a pivotal figure in the transition from the High Renaissance to Mannerism. Despite his artistic achievements, del Sarto's reputation was somewhat overshadowed by his contemporaries, yet his contributions remain vital to the study of Renaissance art.

Description of the work:

The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist

Created in 1533 by Andrea del Sarto, "The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist" is an oil on wood painting that exemplifies the High Renaissance style through its harmonious composition and soft, sfumato technique. The artwork depicts the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, the Christ Child, and a young Saint John the Baptist, capturing a serene and intimate familial moment.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist