3-072-033 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Holy Family, between 1513-1515. The theme of the Holy Conversation was very popular in Venetian art, especially in the 16th century. This motif was repeatedly taken up by Palma Vecchio, whose small paintings were made mainly to the order of private recipients. They depicted the Holy Family or the Virgin Mary with the Child, often in the company of other saints. Mary hands the Child to St. Joseph, and he stretches out his hands. In this way, the important role of St. Joseph as a worthy protector of Mary and Jesus was emphasized, which was associated with the growing cult of the Saint at that time.