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
New game
story of the work:

"The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist" is a painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Andrea del Sarto, created around 1528. The work depicts the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and Saint Joseph, accompanied by the young Saint John the Baptist. This composition reflects the artist's mastery of figure arrangement and use of color, showcasing his ability to convey emotion and intimacy. The painting is characterized by its harmonious proportions and soft, naturalistic forms, typical of del Sarto's style. The work is housed in the collection of the Museo di San Salvi in Florence, Italy. The exact circumstances of its commission and original context remain unknown. The painting is often noted for its serene atmosphere and the tender interaction between the figures. Andrea del Sarto was influenced by earlier Florentine artists, yet he developed a distinctive approach that combined clarity with emotional depth.

Description of the work:

"The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist" by Andrea del Sarto is an oil on wood painting created around 1528. The composition features the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and Saint Joseph, with the young Saint John the Baptist positioned prominently in the foreground. Mary is depicted in a serene pose, holding the Christ Child, who reaches out towards John. The figures are rendered with a soft, naturalistic quality, showcasing del Sarto's mastery of chiaroscuro and anatomical precision. The color palette is characterized by warm tones, with rich reds and soft blues that enhance the emotional depth of the scene. The background is composed of a landscape that recedes into a distant horizon, providing a sense of depth and context. The overall arrangement of the figures creates a harmonious balance, emphasizing the familial bond among them. The painting exemplifies the High Renaissance style, marked by its clarity of form and emotional resonance.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist