Artwork
The Holy Family with St Catherine and the Infant St John
The Holy Family with St Catherine and the Infant St John is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Paolo Veronese. It dates from 1570 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.
About this work
Overview
The Holy Family with St Catherine and the Infant St John is an oil painting by Paolo Veronese, housed in the Uffizi in Florence. Its exact date remains debated, with scholars suggesting either an early or late period creation, the latter around 1562-1565, influenced by Tintoretto.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene, intimate scene of the Holy Family accompanied by St Catherine of Alexandria and the Infant St John. The composition focuses on the interaction between the Virgin Mary breastfeeding Jesus, and St Catherine leaning in with the Infant John, both women portrayed with solemn expressions.
Technique & Style
Veronese employs chiaroscuro to dramatic effect, with warm, golden light illuminating the figures' faces and attire, contrasting sharply with the dark, shadowy background. This lighting technique guides the viewer's attention to the subjects' emotions and interactions.
History & Provenance
The painting's early history is unclear, with no known commissioner, though speculation suggests the Barbaro family. Documented ownership begins in 1648 with the Windmann family in Venice, later sold to Cardinal Carlo de' Medici in 1654, and eventually acquired by the Uffizi in 1798.
Context
The work reflects Veronese's adaptation of Tintoretto's influences during his later period, if dated to the 1560s. The presence of St Catherine, a less common figure in Holy Family depictions, may hint at the patron's identity, should the Barbaro family theory be correct.
Legacy
While direct legacy specifics are not detailed, the painting's survival through centuries and its current residence in the Uffizi underscore its enduring value as a Veronese work. Early copies (notably by Carlo Loth and Gian Antonio Guardi) further attest to its historical appreciation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paolo Caliari (1528 – 19 April 1588), known as Paolo Veronese ( VERR-ə-NAY-zay, -zee, US also -see; Italian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter based in Venice, known for extremely large history paintings of…
