Marcantonio Franceschini, (1648, Bologna - 1729, Bologna), Atributted, The Holy Family with little John the Baptist and Putti, Marcantonio Franceschini, (1648, Bologna - 1729, Bologna), Atributted, The Holy Family with little John the Baptist and Putti

57 x 50 cm

The Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph are depicted as the caring parents of the baby Jesus, who sleeps soundly in his mother's arms. Saint John the Baptist, with a lamb and two putti, looks devotedly and curiously at the baby Jesus. Mary gently makes sure the baby doesn't wake up, and puts her index finger to her mouth to keep the group quiet.
A mountainous landscape opens up in the background to the left, and another group of cherubs emerges from light-filled clouds in the upper right.
Figures with fine features are represented in profile, or in three-quarter profile.
Oil on canvas
57 x 50 cm