Artwork
The Holy Family with Saint Augustine
The Holy Family with Saint Augustine is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Antoni Viladomat i Manalt. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
The Holy Family with Saint Augustine is a 1720 oil painting by Antoni Viladomat i Manalt, blending Baroque tradition with Rococo style, now part of the Museo del Prado's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Holy Family (Mary with infant Jesus, Joseph) accompanied by Saint Augustine, who kneels in devotion. Symbolic elements include Jesus holding a wheat stalk (purity) and a heart with a crown of thorns (future sacrifice), while Joseph's lily represents innocence.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the work features a warm color palette and harmonious composition. Viladomat i Manalt employed chiaroscuro to create depth, focusing attention on the central Holy Family through strategic lighting and shadow.
History & Provenance
Created in 1720, the painting is attributed to Antoni Viladomat i Manalt. It is currently housed in the Museo del Prado, though specific acquisition details are not provided.
Context
This work reflects the artistic transition from Baroque to Rococo in early 18th-century Spain, with Viladomat i Manalt's style adapting these influences for religious subjects.
Legacy
While specific impact or notable exhibitions of *The Holy Family with Saint Augustine* are not highlighted, its presence in the Museo del Prado ensures its contribution to the study of Spanish Baroque-Rococo transitional art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Antoni Viladomat i Manalt (20 March 1678 in Barcelona, Spain – 22 January 1755 in Barcelona, Spain) was a Spanish painter in the Baroque style.
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