Description
The painting The Holy Family of the Book, created by the Italian artist Giovan Francesco Penni, is a work of art that stands out for its Renaissance artistic style and its symmetrical composition. The work measures 35 x 24 cm and was painted in oil on panel.
The composition of the painting is very interesting, since it is divided into two symmetrical parts: on the left side of the work is the Holy Family, composed of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the Child Jesus, while on the right side stands a man reading a book. The figure of man is very important in the work, since he represents Saint Jerome, the patron saint of scholars and librarians.
The coloring of the painting is very soft and delicate, with pastel tones that create an atmosphere of serenity and calm. The gold and silver tones used in the painting give it a touch of elegance and sophistication.
The history of the painting is very interesting, since it was created in the 16th century to decorate a chapel in the church of San Lorenzo in Florence. The work was commissioned by Cardinal Giovanni de' Medici, who was a great patron of Renaissance art and wanted to decorate the chapel with works by the best artists of the time.
In addition, there is a little known aspect about the painting, and that is that Giovan Francesco Penni was not the only artist who worked on it. In fact, the work was created in collaboration with two other artists: Giulio Romano and Raffaellino del Colle. Each of them was commissioned to paint a part of the work, and together they created a painting that is a true masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance.
In short, The Holy Family of the Book is a fascinating painting that stands out for its artistic style, symmetrical composition, soft coloring, and interesting story. It is a work that is undoubtedly worth contemplating and admiring.