The Holy Family with John the Baptist and Saint Margaret
The Holy Family with John the Baptist and Saint Margaret by Filippino Lippi is a work that embodies the fifteenth century Florentine Renaissance. The painting which was done in 1495 is now located in the Cleveland Museum of Art. It is a painting that inspires great awe when viewed, much like I would imagine Lippi's early paintings, done for the Brancacci chapel, inspired viewers in the fifteenth century. His work has been placed among other prestigious paintings in the gallery at the museum, but Lippi's stands out and catches the eye because of the magnificent color and use of line.The subject of the painting is very telling in its title, The Holy Family with John the Baptist and Saint Margaret. "The Holy Family" was a late theme in the Renaissance and hardly ever emerges before the fifteenth century (Hall 334). The content is expressed through the form and style and communicates a strong meaning of what Lippi was trying to do for his patron. The figures, all but Joseph, seem to be unified in a circular from to draw the eye to the most important figure, Christ. Joseph too gazes at the child, but seem to be separated from the other figures, almost as if he were an after thought. The unified circle of figures is nicely comp
Not only did it lend itself to different compositional arrangements, the tondo is also symbolic in nature (CMA). Lippi's figures are dressed in ancient clothing and he separates "The Holy Family" from the view. Joseph, Christ's earthly father, is also an uncommon figure to be placed in painting of the Holy Family up until this time. This communicates a sense that "The Holy Family" is of another world in which we, as viewers are not yet allowed to enter. Her presence in this painting is very important to understanding the artist's intent and meaning in the subject matter as requested by the paintings' commissioner. He is shown leaning on his cane gazing at the Christ child. Line is used throughout the painting, as he renders the figures long and graceful. It is very telling as to why Saint Margaret herself is included. Her face communicates a sense of calm and serenity while her eyes fall upon her child, Christ. Therefore the use of this particular shape also can give an insight into the subject matter and content of the painting. Painters of the Renaissance often show the more maternal aspects of the Virgin's mother and child relationship to Christ (Hall 324). She made the sign of the cross, which caused the dragon's belly to burst open. As I stated earlier, the tondo shape became a very poplular shape on which to paint during this time period because it leant itself to different kinds of compositional arrangements and also had a symbolized use. He uses the gold as source of heavenly light and uses it to accent small details in hair, halos, and a touch in the garments the figures wear. These attributes symbolize his forthcoming journey into the wilderness to give up all material possessions and living his life in devotion to God.
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Acceptance Essays
