Who painted Holy Family (Nativity)?

Holy Family (Nativity) was painted by Lorenzo Costa in 1496.

Where can I see Holy Family (Nativity)?

Holy Family (Nativity) is held by Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.

What movement is Holy Family (Nativity)?

Holy Family (Nativity) is associated with Early Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Holy Family (Nativity)?

Museum-quality prints of Holy Family (Nativity) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Holy Family (Nativity)

Lorenzo Costa , 1496

Holy Family (Nativity) is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Lorenzo Costa. It dates from 1496 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1490 by the Italian Renaissance painter Lorenzo Costa, this tempera panel presents a domestic scene of the Holy Family. The work entered the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon in 1892, where it remains on display as an example of late 15th‑century devotional art.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus in a quiet interior. Mary, clothed in a green mantle and veiled head, is shown in prayerful posture, while Joseph, in a yellow robe and brown hat, leans toward the child, his staff resting nearby. The tender arrangement emphasizes familial intimacy and reverence.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera, the painting achieves a soft, luminous quality that enhances the warmth of the scene. Costa’s handling of the medium yields fine detail in the fabrics and subtle modeling of the figures, while the restrained palette contributes to the work’s contemplative atmosphere.

History & Provenance

After its creation in the late 15th century, the panel passed through private hands before being purchased by the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon in 1892. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in expanding its collection of Italian Renaissance works.

Context

The work belongs to a period when artists increasingly placed biblical narratives within familiar, domestic settings, inviting viewers to relate personally to sacred events. Costa’s depiction aligns with contemporary trends that favored gentle humanism over dramatic spectacle.