An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Margaretc. 1495
Filippino Lippi
Lippi’s sophisticated composition gracefully overlaps five figures in a round format. Oliviero Caraffa, Cardinal of Naples, commissioned this work, although Lippi probably painted it in Rome while working for the cardinal’s family, an example of the widespread taste across Italy for the art of Florence. Meticulously detailed still-life elements on the parapet, thick with symbolic meaning, reflect Lippi’s interest in northern European painting he would have seen in Florence. Likewise the classical architecture—referring to the pagan world cast off by Christianity—demonstrates his engagement with ancient art and architecture in Rome. Embellished with learned references and made with expensive materials, this painting would have actively inspired religious meditation and demonstrated the patrons’ courtly, civilized taste.
This type of painting is known as a tondo, a circular work of art.
tempera and oil on wood
Framed: 184 x 186 x 9.5 cm (72 7/16 x 73 1/4 x 3 3/4 in.); Diameter: 153 cm (60 1/4 in.)
The Delia E. Holden Fund and a fund donated as a memorial to Mrs. Holden by her children: Guerden S. Holden, Delia Holden White, Roberta Holden Bole, Emery Holden Greenough, Gertrude Holden McGinley
In a sun-drenched studio in the heart of Rome, the air thick with the scent of linseed oil, a talented artist named Fra Filippo Lippi brought to life a masterpiece that would echo through the halls of time. This piece, a carefully orchestrated composition, wrapped around five figures, akin to a gentle embrace, creating a circular dance of humanity. Each figure was not just painted; they were infused with expression, emotion, and a story—a vivid tapestry brought forth by Lippi’s skilled hand.
The inspiration for this work flowed from the mind of Oliviero Caraffa, the Cardinal of Naples, who sought Lippi’s artistry to adorn his family’s legacy. It was a testament to the fervent admiration for Florentine art that swept across Italy like a quiet wave, captivating hearts and minds alike. As Lippi stood before the canvas, he likely reflected on the rich tradition of craftsmanship he witnessed in Florence, a mingling of elegance and depth woven into every brushstroke.
Resting on a lovely parapet, rich and intricate still-life elements peeked from the edges of the painting—each item meticulously chosen for its symbolic weight. They whispered secrets of abundance and contemplation, a gentle nod to the northern European influences that had caught Lippi’s attention in his formative years. In this sacred space, the echoes of the past and the modern world coalesced, forming a bridge of understanding across cultures.
Yet the architecture around these figures was no mere backdrop; it was a grand ode to ancient splendor. Here, classical columns rose and fell, standing as silent witnesses to a world once filled with pagan lore now transformed by Christian belief. This duality was a reflection of Lippi’s deep engagement with the art and structures of Rome, where each arch carried the weight of history and each stone spoke of reawakening faith.
As Lippi added layer upon layer of vibrant color using the finest materials, his creation emerged not only as a canvas adorned with images but as a beacon for meditation and reflection. It danced gracefully between the earthly and the divine, inspiring those who gazed upon it to ponder the sacred narratives woven into their own lives. In this monumental painting, one could sense the essence of courtly elegance, a mirror to the civilized tastes of Lippi’s patrons, a silent call to deeper contemplation and a shared journey of the spirit.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
The best place to view Cleveland Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.