"Holy Family", oil on panel, Italy, c. 1500-1520

Oil on poplar panel portraying the Holy Family.
Tuscany or Umbria, circa 1500-1520.
The Holy Family is the name given to the family formed by Jesus of Nazareth and his parents Mary and Joseph. It symbolises the virtues of the family for Christians, and can be portrayed in the presence of Saint Elizabeth or Saint Anne.
A recurrent theme in painting, the cult of the Virgin Mary was not established until 1665.
Wooden lining to the rear, with horsehair reinforcements.
Very satisfactory condition, given its age.