Holy Family

Giulio Procaccini began his career as a sculptor working on the dome of Milan Cathedral. He soon abandoned sculpture in favour of painting, following in the footsteps of his father and teacher, Ercole Procaccini the Elder. Giulio was at one time also a pupil of Annibale Carracci (1560-1609), the most gifted member of the famous Italian Carracci family of painters. Procaccini's early work is characterised by a graceful elegance most notable in the numerous paintings he produced depicting the Holy Family. This piece, possibly by a close follower of the artist, may well eventually prove to be a lost original by him. This painting presents a more natural depiction of the Holy Family. The Virgin Mary is typically shown holding the Christ Child, with a much older Joseph in the background. The female in the top left corner is possibly St. Anna, Mary's mother, who appears frequently in depictions of the Holy Family.