The painting on the tree "The Holy Family" by Michelangelo, already a famous and recognized sculptor, painted in 1504. This is his first painting, a test of strength as an artist, became the greatest creation of a genius. Modestly calling himself a "sculptor from Florence", he was actually an artist, poet, philosopher, thinker. And each of his work is a synthesis of all his talents, an ideal combination of form and inner content.
The multifaceted talent of Mikedangelo
By the time the “Holy Family” was written, Michelangelo Buonarroti had a good school. The sculptures “Pieta” and “David” were already created, which brought him world fame. After returning to Florence, he worked on orders that he received from the clergy and nobility. His sculptural works were highly valued.
But Michelangelo wants to put into practice the knowledge that he received in his youth in the painting workshop of the Ghirlandaio brothers. He undertakes to write an easel work in the form of a tondo, which is called "Madonna Doni" or "The Holy Family." It is believed that this is the only completed, preserved to this day his easel work. It is stored in Florence, in the Uffizi Gallery.
Later, priceless Renaissance sculptures that influenced the entire world culture will be created, murals painted in the Sistine Chapel in Florence, the dome of the Vatican Cathedral in Rome painted, the architectural complex of the Capitol created. His sonnets are known, some of which were put to music during the life of the author.
Tondo Doni
This is another name for Michelangelo's work, The Holy Family. Description of the composition should begin with the central group, which includes the Virgin Mary, Joseph the Betrothed and Jesus Christ. The author depicts a simple family scene: a woman transfers or receives a child from the hands of her father. Of course, this is a religious theme, but it is perceived by some everyday, intimate fragment. Mother, turning her head, looks at her son with love and tenderness. The father, holding the baby tightly, carefully monitors his movements. Specialists call this arrangement of figures “helical”. Even the photo of the "Holy Family" by Michelangelo makes a strong impression on the audience.
The central group is spelled out so carefully and subtly that it gives the impression of its volume. It seems that this is not a pictorial, but a sculptural group that can be circumvented and viewed from all sides. The naked hands of the Virgin Mary are embossed and beautiful, the color scheme emphasizes the naturalness and purity of the skin.
In the background, not far from the holy family, Michelangelo depicted five male nude bodies. Being a great sculptor, and knowing perfectly the anatomy, the author was able to convey the beauty, plasticity and relief of the forms of human bodies resembling antique statues. Despite the complexity and variety of their poses, they are natural and suggest movement.
Why did the author choose such a controversial background for the holy family? Michelangelo was primarily a sculptor working with naked bodies. The technique with which he performed nudes on the canvas amazes viewers of all time. Perhaps that is why the work was favorably accepted by all, even the clergy.
However, the two main groups are separated from each other by a contrasting horizontal line. And the whole composition of the picture is united by John the Baptist watching Jesus Christ with a half-smile on his face.
What is tondo?
Tondo is a pictorial or sculptural work (bas-relief) of a round shape, measuring about a meter in size. This form of artwork was common in Florence during the early Renaissance. All the great artists of that time performed work in the form of a tondo, depicting on them, as a rule, religious subjects.
Following the fashion, wealthy Florentines decorated their homes with such works. It was customary to make similar expensive gifts for significant dates.
Why is the "Holy Family" Michelangelo called "Tondo Doni"?
A wealthy textile merchant, collector and philanthropist Agnolo Doni in 1504 was married by law to the daughter of the Florentine banker Maddalena Strozzi. Presumably, in honor of this event, the merchant made an order to create a tondo of religious themes from the famous master Michelangelo Buonarroti.
An interesting fact related to the confrontation between two strong personalities is described by their contemporary Giorgio Vasari in Biographies. Assessing his work at 70 ducats, the artist received only 40 from a prudent customer. He decided that this was enough, and the author would not make a fuss. Michelangelo became furious and demanded either the return of the painting, or the payment of 140 ducats. Skopets, sensibly evaluating the work and understanding its true value, was forced to pay twice.