Holy Family with Saint John

Domenico Beceri 1540

In a landscape barely discernible, Mary and Saint Joseph turn their gaze towards the Child Jesus who, standing, encircles his mother's lap and seems to be observing something outside the painting. On the right, Saint John appears to address the Virgin Mary, envisioning Jesus' destiny as the “Agnus dei” with the eloquent gesture of his index finger pointing towards heaven. In response, she seems rather more interested in the pleasant moment of tenderness with her son, having even abandoned reading a small book she holds in her right hand, her fingers holding it half-open.

Technical information

Author: Domenico Beceri
Title: Holy Family with Saint John
Date: 1540
Material and technique: Oil on panel
Size: 143x103
Location: Palazzo Pretorio Museum
First Floor

The painting, which derives from models by Andrea del Sarto, has in the past been attributed to Michele Tosini and Francesco del Brina. In fact, while recognising the same sphere of influence, it seems to correspond stylistically to the soft and sharp painting of Domenico Beceri, a pupil of Domenico Puligo mentioned by the Arezzo biographer Giorgio Vasari. Beceri shows clarity of execution and technical skill, an expressive and emotional ability derived from Andrea del Sarto, combined with nuanced effects typical of Puligo. There are numerous parallels with other artworks attributed to him, but the measured gestures present here are striking and, not unlike an ancient dance, unite the catalogue of the artist's hitherto known paintings. Repeated poses, recurring faces and facial expressions, together with the reiteration of somatic features, are elements that allow us to associate this painting with the painter, who among other things left in Prato, in the Conservatory of San Niccolò, a beautiful Nativity, previously attributed to Zanobi Poggini.