The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Margaret

By Filippino Lippi, c. 1488–93
JPG • 3400 × 3400 PX • 3.8 MB
Curatorial 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 he reimagined Greco-Roman figures—his sketch of an antique Venus statue was refashioned into Saint Margaret—while the weathered pier references remnants of ancient architectural and decorative motifs, illustrating Filippino’s deep engagement with the fragments of antique murals, sculpture, and architecture throughout the city.

Artwork Identification

Title The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Margaret
Title (PT) A Sagrada Família com São João Batista e Santa Margarida
Title (ES) La Sagrada Familia con San Juan Bautista y Santa Margarita
Artist Filippino Lippi
Artist Bio Filippino Lippi (Italian, c. 1457–1504)
Date c. 1488–93
Work Type Painting

Location & Collection

License Creative Commons Public Domain Mark 1.0
Ars Sancta