Who painted The Holy Family?

The Holy Family was painted by Lorenzo Costa in 1500.

Where can I see The Holy Family?

The Holy Family is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

What movement is The Holy Family?

The Holy Family is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

The Holy Family

Lorenzo Costa , 1500

The Holy Family is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Lorenzo Costa. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Mary's gentle hold signifies maternal tenderness and divine nurture, whereas Joseph's presence conveys paternal guardianship and earthly protection.

The painting portrays the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus while Saint Joseph stands protectively beside them, embodying the familial bond central to Christian devotion. Mary's gentle hold signifies maternal tenderness and divine nurture, whereas Joseph's presence conveys paternal guardianship and earthly protection. Together, these figures illustrate the Holy Family's role as a model of domestic harmony and spiritual devotion, reflecting theological themes of protection, love, and the incarnation of Christ within a human household.

History & Provenance

Lorenzo Costa created the painting The Holy Family in 1500. This religious work, which depicts Mary, the Christ Child, and Joseph, is currently held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. The institution lists the piece as part of its holdings, where it remains on display or in storage.

Lorenzo Costa's painting The Holy Family, completed in 1500, is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. The work depicts the religious subjects of Mary, the Christ Child, and Joseph. The provided sources do not list a specific inventory or accession number for the piece, nor do they record any exhibition history.

Overview

Lorenzo Costa's 'The Holy Family' is a religious painting from 1500, depicting the Christ Child, Joseph, and Mary in a serene domestic scene.

Technique & Style

Costa employs chiaroscuro to create a soft, warm glow on Mary's face and the Christ Child's skin, set against a darker, earth-toned background. The palette is characterized by simplicity and warmth, with dominant earth tones and a subtle blue hint in the sky.