Artwork
The Holy Family with Saint John
The Holy Family with Saint John is a print by the Baroque artist Cosimo Mogalli. It dates from 1712 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
This painting shows Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus with young John the Baptist in a shadowy room.
This painting shows Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus with young John the Baptist in a shadowy room. Light falls on their faces, leaving the background dark. The baby Jesus holds a cross made of reeds, a quiet symbol.
Mogalli paints folds in Mary’s dress with thick, raised paint, a technique called impasto. It makes the cloth look soft and real. The colors are warm but not bright.
Look up Cosimo Mogalli (Italian, 1667–1730) if you want to see more of his work.
Overview
The Holy Family with Saint John is a print by Cosimo Mogalli, created around 1712. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, and young John the Baptist in a dimly lit interior. The baby Jesus grasps a reed cross, a subtle symbol of his future. The figures' faces are highlighted, while the surrounding environment remains dark.
Technique & Style
Mogalli employs impasto to render the folds of Mary's dress, using thick, raised paint to create a textured, lifelike effect. The overall color palette is warm and subdued.
Artist & collection
