Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Holy Family by Lorenzo Costa

Lorenzo Costa · 1500-01-01

Lorenzo Costa's "Holy Family," painted around 1500, uses symbolic colors and objects to convey deeper meanings, a common practice in Renaissance art. This serene oil painting is now part of the Rijksmuseum collection.

Observe the Virgin Mary's deep green veil, a symbol of hope and new life, while her subtle red undergarment signifies divine love. Saint Joseph's staff represents his authority and protective role within the sacred family narrative.

Costa, an artist from Ferrara, masterfully employed soft light and shadow to model the figures, creating a sense of volume and reverence. The careful placement and depiction of these symbolic elements invite viewers to contemplate the profound spiritual dimensions of the scene.

What other hidden meanings might you find in the colors and objects within the painting?

Details

Mary wears a deep green veil, symbolizing hope and new life.
Mary wears a deep green veil, symbolizing hope and new life.
Look at Saint Joseph's staff, a sign of his authority.
Look at Saint Joseph's staff, a sign of his authority.
His role as protector of the Holy Family is clearly conveyed.
His role as protector of the Holy Family is clearly conveyed.
Every detail adds to the deep meaning of this sacred scene.
Every detail adds to the deep meaning of this sacred scene.
Transcript

This painter uses color to tell stories. Mary wears a deep green veil, symbolizing hope and new life. Her red undergarment, though hidden, signifies divine love. Look at Saint Joseph's staff, a sign of his authority. His role as protector of the Holy Family is clearly conveyed. Every detail adds to the deep meaning of this sacred scene.