The Holy Family and the Young Saint John

This piece is an oil painting on a copper panel representing the Holy Family with the Young Saint John. The composition is arranged in an enclosed interior space, lit by warm lighting coming from the front-left side from the viewer’s perspective. This helps to accentuate the chiaroscuro effects. The Virgin is at the centre of the axis, which creates a strong maternal image as she breastfeeds the Infant Jesus. Saint Joseph stands to her right. He is represented in a contemplative pose, concentrating on reading a volume.

At the forefront, at the feet of the Virgin, stand Young Saint John and the Agnus Dei. They are leaning against the corner of a crib that serves as a coordinating element. At the back of the room, there is an open window that introduces a secondary light source that helps to balance the distribution of light and the depth of the scene.

The painting reveals a certain classical influence. It is noticeable in the careful modulation of light, the rich colour palette and the extraordinary technical precision in the execution of the carnations. In the lower left corner, there is a signature composed of the initials “I” and “L”, united by a cross which almost certainly indicates the artist’s authorship.

Otherwise, the artist demonstrates a clear knowledge of the work of Raphael Sanzio, which is evidenced by certain stylistic parallels between this copperplate and other works by the master of Urbino, such as the Madonna of Divine Love, which is currently kept at the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples.

These affinities with Raphael’s pictorial language can also be found in other works in the collection, such as The Holy Family with Saint Anne and the Young Saint John or the Allegory of the Triumph of the Immaculate Conception.