1561
oil
panel
From the collection of Ashmolean Museum
The Holy Family with St John the Baptist is a 1561 oil by Maso da San Friano, depicting Holy Family, held at Ashmolean Museum.
This painting shows a tender family scene. A woman, possibly Mary, sits with a baby on her lap, while a man, possibly Joseph, stands beside her. The baby reaches out to another child, who is standing in front of them. The woman is dressed in red and white, and the man wears yellow and brown. The background is dark, with some lighter areas that suggest a room or interior space. The painting's use of warm colors and gentle expressions creates a sense of intimacy and closeness. The way the figures are arranged, with the baby reaching out to the other child, adds a sense of movement and energy to the scene. The Holy Family with St John the Baptist is a beautiful example of Renaissance art, and you can learn more about it by exploring the work of artist Maso da San Friano.
Maso da San Friano (1536–1571) was an Italian painter active in Florence. His real name was Tomaso D'Antonio Manzuoli. He was born in San Friano and died in Florence.
See the richer artist page
