The Holy Family, with the Young Saint John the Baptist, a Cat, and Two Donors
| Support Type: | Canvas |
| Paint Type: | Oil Paint |
| Current Location: | Philadelphia Museum of Art |
Giovanni di Niccolò de Luteri, also known as Dosso Dossi was an Italian painter belonging to the High Renaissance period. His painting titled ‘The Holy Family with Young Saint John the Baptist and two donors’ was created in the years 1512-13. The centre of the canvas portrays Mother Mary holding baby Christ with Saint Jospeh behind. We also find Young Saint John at the disposal of the Holy Family. Saint John is visible with a wooden stick in his hand next to a black cat. Two donors, probably the couple that commissioned the painting are kneeling down to the divine figures. The artwork is famous for its rich, vibrant colour palette as visible by the brushstrokes of the natural scenery behind, setting a dramatic mood with bright light. The addition of the cat can be understood as a touch of naturalism. High Renaissance art was characterised by depicting the correct proportion of human figures, along with rejuvenating the classical art. One of the significant aspects of this period was showing divinity with human expressions and emotionality. The artist did not place the figures in front of a backdrop but rather blended them within nature. The presence of the sacred divine figures with the secular earthy elements creates a perfect overall balance in the painting.