Artwork
The Holy Family in Glory with Saints Francis of Paola and Aloysius Gonzaga
The Holy Family in Glory with Saints Francis of Paola and Aloysius Gonzaga is an oil painting by Francesco Capella. It dates from 1757 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
Technique & Style
Francesco Capella employed oil paint as the medium, applying it to a canvas support typical of religious compositions from his period.
The work is an oil painting executed on canvas. Francesco Capella employed oil paint as the medium, applying it to a canvas support typical of religious compositions from his period. The composition brings together the Holy Family with Saints Francis of Paola and Aloysius Gonzaga in a celestial setting, reflecting a formal arrangement characteristic of Counter‑Reformation devotional art.
The dimensions recorded are 167.3 cm in height and 121.9 cm in width, confirming a substantial scale that emphasizes the narrative impact of the scene.
History & Provenance
The painting is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. While the work is attributed to Francesco Capella and depicts the Holy Family with Saints Francis of Paola and Aloysius Gonzaga, the provided sources do not specify a unique inventory or accession number for the piece. Furthermore, no records of the artwork's exhibition history are contained within the available documentation.
Overview
This 18th-century oil painting, created circa 1757 by Venetian artist Francesco Capella (Il Capella), brings together the Holy Family with two revered saints within a celestial setting.
Subject & Meaning
The composition unites the Holy Family (Mary, the Christ child, and Joseph) with Saints Francis of Paola, a mendicant monk, and Aloysius Gonzaga, a youthful figure in prayer, symbolizing spiritual harmony and devotion.
Context
Reflecting Capella's training under Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, the work blends traditional Venetian religious themes with Baroque lighting techniques, tailored for contemplation in a sacred or state-sponsored setting.
Legacy
While not widely known beyond regional art historical circles, the painting exemplifies late Baroque religious art's enduring appeal through its expressive use of light and composition.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francesco Capella (1714–1784), called Il Capella and Francesco Dagiu, was a student of Giovanni Battista Piazzetta.
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