Processing
"Retouch" oil-on-board pictography, following methods and recipes typical of Renaissance workshops. Processed with Maimeri and Winsor & Newton colours. The details are executed with the aid of a special magnifying glass in order to accurately recreate every smallest detail. The frame, made of solid wood with carvings, is prepared with red bole and gilded with gold leaf. The photo frame may vary depending on availability at the time. Aged wooden board prepared with a mix of plaster and natural glue applied in 3 successive coats. Picture size: ø 50 cm. Framed size: ø 65 cm.
History
The Holy Family is composed as a sculptural group in the centre of the tondo: the Madonna in the foreground, contrary to all previous iconography, does not have the Child in her arms, but turns around to take him from Joseph who is handing him to her while crouched behind her. She, crouched on the ground, has just stopped reading the book that is now closed and abandoned on her mantle between her legs. The baby Jesus plays with the hair of his mother, who has just closed the book she was reading (the text probably symbolises the prophecies linked to Jesus' untimely death) to play with the child. Mary has a very virile and masculine build, visible especially in her arms. Moving the gaze into the background, one can see on the right the little Saint John the Baptist, while further behind are several groups of naked people leaning against rocks; framing these groups is a natural environment consisting of a lake, a meadow and mountains.
Michelangelo Buonarroti, Tondo Doni (RETOUCH)