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Holy Family by Angelo Solimena

Angelo Solimena · 1700-01-01

Angelo Solimena's *Holy Family*, painted around 1700, is a beautiful example of early Baroque devotional art, now housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

In this serene composition, Solimena captures a tender moment with the Virgin Mary, the infant Christ, and Saint Joseph. Notice Mary's gentle smile and the Christ Child's upward gaze, both illuminated by a soft chiaroscuro that highlights their tender expressions.

While Angelo Solimena was a notable painter in his time, he is perhaps best known as the father of Francesco Solimena, who would go on to achieve greater fame. This work offers a glimpse into the artistic lineage and style that influenced one of Italy's more celebrated Baroque masters.

What details in this painting draw your eye first?

Details

He depicted a quiet, tender Holy Family.
He depicted a quiet, tender Holy Family.
The Christ Child gazes upwards, hands open.
The Christ Child gazes upwards, hands open.
This artist's son became a much more famous painter.
This artist's son became a much more famous painter.
The donkey's presence, often associated with humility and labor, adds a layer of earthly context to the divine scene.
The donkey's presence, often associated with humility and labor, adds a layer of earthly context to the divine scene.
Transcript

This painter was active in Italy around 1700. He depicted a quiet, tender Holy Family. Mary’s serene expression shows maternal love. The Christ Child gazes upwards, hands open. The painter used soft light to highlight their faces. This artist's son became a much more famous painter.