The Holy Family with Saint Nicholas of Tolentino

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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As Saint Nicholas of Tolentino (1245–1305) contemplates the Christ Child, rays of golden light impress a sun with the face of a cherub upon his breast. Christ eats the cherries offered by Saint Joseph, symbolising the fruit of paradise. Angels watch and play music; God the Father, together with the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove, bless the holy family below.

The presence of Saint Nicholas, an Augustinian friar who was based in Tolentino for the last 30 years of his life, makes it likely that this picture was commissioned by a member of an Augustinian community in or near Ferrara. The distinctive haloes made of tiny gold lines are typical of Mazzolino, as are the classical friezes and ornaments in the background architecture. He often reused the same motifs, which suggests that he was working from a collection of drawings kept in his studio.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Holy Family with Saint Nicholas of Tolentino

Date

probably about 1515-30

Medium

Oil on wood

Measurements

H 80.6 x W 62.2 cm

Accession number

NG169

Acquisition method

Bought, 1839

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

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