Artwork
The Holy Family
The Holy Family is a paint painting by the High Renaissance artist Palma Vecchio. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
The Holy Family is a painting from 1515, attributed to the Venetian High Renaissance artist Palma Vecchio. The work is a representation of the Christian Holy Family, set against a natural outdoor backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Christ Child accompanied by Mary and Joseph. Mary, draped in a dark cloak, tenderly holds the infant, who gazes up at her. Joseph sits beside them, his face partially shadowed, adding depth to the scene. The calm expression on Mary's face and the gentle pose of her hands underscore a serene and intimate family moment.
Technique & Style
Palma Vecchio employed warm, earthy tones (reds, oranges, browns) to create a vivid contrast between the figures and the softer, more subdued landscape of trees and distant hills. The use of chiaroscuro is evident in the lighting, with the baby's smooth skin illuminated in contrast to the shadowed face of Joseph, enhancing the overall depth and emotional resonance of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1515, The Holy Family is now part of the collection at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Originally attributed to Palma Vecchio (born Jacopo Palma, circa 1480–1528), a prominent figure in the Venetian High Renaissance.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Palma Vecchio (c. 1480 – 30 July 1528), born Jacopo Palma, also known as Jacopo Negretti, was a Venetian painter of the Italian High Renaissance. He is called Palma Vecchio in English and Palma il Vecchio in Italian…
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