1507 (ca.), Michelangelo Buonarroti, Holy Family with the Young St. John the Baptist (the "Doni Tondo") (detail) -- Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
From the museum label: Commissioned by the merchant Agnolo Doni (whose portrait is on display in this room) probably to mark his daughter Maria's birth in 1507, this is Michelangelo's only documented panel painting. The way the figures' gestures and gazes interact is inspired by Hellenistic statuary: the Virgin's face is reminiscent of the Dying Alexander on display here, while many of the young nudes behind the wall with the young St. John the Baptist adopt poses echoing famous Classical sculptures. Michelangelo's feeling for sculpture is thus borne out by his painting as well. The picture was acquired by the Medici in 1594 and subsequently hung in the Tribune.
Link to the full painting.
1507 (ca.), Michelangelo Buonarroti, Holy Family with the Young St. John the Baptist (the "Doni Tondo") (detail) -- Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
From the museum label: Commissioned by the merchant Agnolo Doni (whose portrait is on display in this room) probably to mark his daughter Maria's birth in 1507, this is Michelangelo's only documented panel painting. The way the figures' gestures and gazes interact is inspired by Hellenistic statuary: the Virgin's face is reminiscent of the Dying Alexander on display here, while many of the young nudes behind the wall with the young St. John the Baptist adopt poses echoing famous Classical sculptures. Michelangelo's feeling for sculpture is thus borne out by his painting as well. The picture was acquired by the Medici in 1594 and subsequently hung in the Tribune.
Link to the full painting.