Madonna and Child with St. Joseph, St. Catherine and St. Agnes

Antonio Campi

Download hi-res image TITLE Madonna and Child with St. Joseph, St. Catherine and St. Agnes
AUTHOR Antonio Campi
DATE c. 1570
OBJECT TYPE AND MATERIAL Oil on canvas
TECNICA OPERA olio su tela
DIMENSIONS cm 230 x 143
INVENTORY 581
ROOM XV
Work on display

Antonio Campi was an architect, sculptor, cosmograph and author of a history of Cremona. The picture offers an original take on the theme of the Holy Family with saints. Joseph, in the shadows, peeks out from behind a curtain, observing the strapping Christ Child who embraces a lamb, an attribute of St. Agnes but also an allusion to Christ’s sacrifice. Elongated proportions and contrived poses coexist alongside a meticulous depiction of clothes, jewels and flesh, creating an overall image that is at c. 1570once sophisticated and real.