The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Margaret

The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Margaret by Filippino Lippi: This monumental tondo, among Filippino’s most significant works, was commissioned…

What to notice

In The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Margaret, start with classical, figurative, complex. Then look closely at this museum-described detail: The painter’s ingenious composition harmoniously overlaps five brilliantly colored divine figures within the challenging circular format.

Discover

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.