An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the BaptistAndrea del Sarto (Andrea d'Agnolo)
Italian, Florence 1486–1530 Florence
ca. 1528
53 1/2 x 39 5/8 in. (135.9 x 100.6 cm)
Painting
Oil on wood
European Paintings
Maria DeWitt Jesup Fund, 1922
In "The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist," Andrea del Sarto captures a tender moment that invites reflection. The composition centers around the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, who is playfully reaching for a globe. This globe symbolizes the world and the future awaiting Him.
Mary, draped in flowing robes that mix vibrant colors, radiates both grace and serenity. Her expression, gentle but contemplative, suggests a depth of emotion. Beside them stands the young Saint John the Baptist, who leans in closely, his gaze fixed on the Child. His youthful form is accentuated by the soft lighting and his bare skin, which adds an innocent yet profound connection to the holy scene.
In the background, the aged face of Joseph observes silently, grounding the painting with a sense of wisdom and protection. The lush green drapery serves as a backdrop, enveloping the figures in a calm yet rich environment, symbolizing growth and the nurturing aspect of the Holy Family.
The attention to detail in the figures’ expressions and the harmonious color palette draws viewers into this intimate moment, prompting reflections on family, faith, and the nurturing of a future filled with potential.
About the artist
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