The "Holy Family" of Raphael was created in Florence at that unique time, when Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Raphael himself worked here at the same time. This painting belongs to the early period of the outstanding Italian painter and is rightfully considered one of the most delicate, filigree creations of the artist. In the same period, other famous sculptors, painters, architects worked in Florence. Their works belong to the highest stage of development of art - the Renaissance.
The picture clearly shows the strong influence of da Vinci on Raphael. The holy family is depicted against a stone wall with an arched window opening through which a characteristic landscape is visible. Facial expressions, the hairstyle of the Virgin, the pose of Christ are also similar to paintings by Leonardo.
Raphael's “Holy Family” is in the Hermitage. This is one of two paintings by a brilliant artist remaining in Russia. Inept restorer tried to restore the canvas, but damaged it. Because of this, they were not able to sell the painting and left it in the museum.
Image of Joseph
The "Holy Family" by Rafael Santi is called the "Madonna and Beardless Joseph." Most often, artists painted Joseph with a beard to draw attention to his advanced age. Santi decided to ignore this rule and did otherwise. In his painting, Joseph looks quite respectable, but this effect is achieved thanks to more complex and less obvious signs. His fluffy sparse hair exposes his skin, his forehead with bald patches. The face is covered with deep wrinkles. Hands rest on a wooden staff, which is usually used by the elderly. At the same time, Joseph's shoulders dutifully lowered, as if drooping under the heavy burden of responsibility.
Image of Mary and baby
Madonna and newborn Jesus create a sharp contrast with the figure of Joseph. Maria looks young, even young, as if shining from within. A woman is dressed simply, without frills. Hair braided in braids and hidden under a shawl.
A curly-haired boy clings to his mother, turning, it seemed, to face Joseph. But from a different perspective, his figure looks like a baby is looking up at heaven.
All three characters in the painting "The Holy Family" by Raphael form a characteristic triangle. However, instead of the traditional longing inherent in icons and other religious images, the plot shows the usual earthly, quiet family happiness. The characters look at each other, and they look just like other ordinary families. This look combines three figures into a related composition. Mary turned her gaze to Joseph, full of calm thought. The baby also looks at him, as if asking about something. Joseph, however, looks at Jesus with sorrow. Being the father of a newborn God is an honorable mission, but wouldn’t he like to become the father of his own son ...
Color spectrum
Raphael Santi's painting is done in soft, muted colors. Colors flow one into another smoothly, slowly. There are no bright accents, flashy spots, sharp lines. Everything seems relaxed: the characters' poses, facial features, semicircles of windows, trees, a peaceful landscape in the background. The nimbuses of the saints above their heads look barely noticeable, almost transparent.