3-002-726 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Holy Family, c1510. "Tondi" (circular paintings) were a popular in domestic interiors of Renaissance Florence where they would be viewed by members of the entire family. This painting is especially attuned to a familial audience since it depicts the Christ Child standing between his parents, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. The child gazes directly out of the picture field as if to keep a watchful eye over the home. With his right hand, he offers a gesture of blessing. As in most tondi, the composition is symmetrical. The bodies of Mary and Joseph are carefully calculated to conform to the circular framing.