The Holy Family with St. Elizabeth and John the Baptist and angels.

WAG 4160

Information

Previously attributed to an Imitator of Andrea Meldolla called Schiavone this work depicts a tender image of the Holy Family of Mary with the child Christ on her lap, on the left, and St. Elizabeth (Mary's cousin) and her infant son St. John the Baptist on the right. They are all being tenderly gazed at by Joseph standing behind Mary. There are further figures [angels], faintly sketched, behind St. Elizabeth. The Child Christ is reaching out to the infant St. John, who, cradled by his mother's right arm, is holding a long cross while holding onto a lamb. Brown wash is used effectively to create a strong chiaroscuro effect over the figures.