Italy / c. 1488–93
The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Margaret
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Margaret as painting (Italy · c. 1488–93).
Ultramarine, the blue pigment used lavishly across this tondo (circular painting), was many times more expensive than gold in the Renaissance.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as tempera and oil on wood and credits Filippino Lippi (Italian, c. 1457–1504).
The museum's collection notes: This monumental tondo, among Filippino’s most significant works, was commissioned by Neapolitan cardinal Oliviero Carafa, a leading political and ecclesiastical figure. The painter’s ingenious composition harmoniously overlaps five brilliantly colored divine figures within the challenging circular format. Behind a low wall adorned with sacred and domestic objects, Joseph observes the intertwined group of Mary holding Christ, who embraces his cousin John the Baptist, supported by Saint Margaret. Created during Filippino’s Roman years (1488–93), the painting reflects the inspiration he drew from ancient art. The preparatory drawing reveals how
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtThe Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint MargaretOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.