Artwork
The Holy Family
The Holy Family is a paint painting by Polidoro da Lanciano. It dates from 1555 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Polidoro da Lanciano, an Italian painter active in the mid‑16th century, completed *The Holy Family* in 1555. Executed in oil on canvas, the work portrays the Virgin Mary, the infant Christ, and Saint Joseph within a dimly lit, cavernous setting. The painting is part of the Gemäldegalerie’s collection in Berlin.
Subject & Meaning
The composition gathers the central figures of the Christian narrative: a mother in a vivid red garment holding the naked Christ child, a bearded Joseph standing protectively nearby, and two small children seated in the foreground. Above them, two angelic beings hover, suggesting divine presence and reinforcing the sanctity of the family unit.
Technique & Style
Da Lanciano employs a restrained palette of earth tones punctuated by the bright red of Mary’s dress, creating visual focus. Soft illumination falls on the faces and hands, while the surrounding rock formations recede into shadow, producing a chiaroscuro effect that enhances the intimate atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Born in Lanciano in 1515, the artist is thought to have relocated to Venice early in his career, where he gained recognition for his skill. After its creation, *The Holy Family* entered the collection of the Gemäldegalerie, Berlin, where it remains on public display.
Context
The painting reflects the Counter‑Reformation’s emphasis on devotional imagery, presenting the Holy Family in a humble, grotto‑like environment that invites personal contemplation. Such settings were common in mid‑16th‑century Italian religious art, aligning with contemporary theological trends that highlighted the humanity of Christ and the sanctity of domestic life.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Polidoro de Rienzo da Lanciano (Lanciano, 1515–1565) was an Italian painter. Relatively little is known of his life. He was born in Lanciano, a town that is a few miles inland from Ortona, a port on the Adriatic Sea.…
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