Artwork

Holy family

Holy family, by Andrea del Sarto, unspecified
Holy family, by Andrea del Sarto, unspecified

Holy family is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Andrea del Sarto. It is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts the Holy Family, a central subject in religious art, specifically portraying the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and Joseph.

The work depicts the Holy Family, a central subject in religious art, specifically portraying the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and Joseph. As a painting classified within the religious genre, the composition focuses on this triad of figures as its main subject. The piece is identified as a copy created after the style of Andrea del Sarto, dating to 1607.

While the specific symbolic details of the arrangement are not elaborated in the provided records, the depiction of these three figures inherently represents the foundational domestic unit of Christian theology.

History & Provenance

The work, identified as a painting copy after Andrea del Sarto, is dated to January 1, 1607. It depicts the Holy Family, specifically Mary, the Christ Child, and Joseph. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections at the Alte Pinakothek.

While the original artist is attributed to Andrea del Sarto, the specific creation history provided indicates this version was produced in the early 17th century.

Overview

Andrea del Sarto’s Holy Family, executed in 1607, is an oil painting that presents the central Christian figures of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. The work is part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it is displayed among other Renaissance pieces.

Technique & Style

Del Sarto employs delicate chiaroscuro to model the figures, allowing soft shadows to suggest a gentle light source. The subtle transitions between light and dark echo the sfumato technique popular among his contemporaries, lending the scene a calm, atmospheric quality.

Context

The work reflects the Counter‑Reformation’s emphasis on clear, devotional imagery, presenting the Holy Family in a domestic setting that invites personal reflection. The inclusion of an angel with a book underscores the theological theme of divine wisdom.

Holy Family
Holy Family, Raffaello Vanni

Artist & collection

Portrait of Andrea del Sarto

Artist

Andrea del Sarto

Andrea del Sarto was an Italian painter from Florence, whose career flourished during the High Renaissance and early Mannerism.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Holy family?

Holy family was painted by Andrea del Sarto in 1607-01-01.

Where can I see Holy family?

Holy family is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Holy family?

Holy family is associated with Early Baroque Italian.