\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 The theme of the Holy Family is amplified to include the figures of St. Elizabeth and the Infant St. John.\par
The composit
ion is constructed in a pyramidal pattern that shows the influence of Leonardo.\par
At the bottom of the painting, the Madonna is seated on the grass and, while keeping her place in a small book, gazes lovingly at the Child. The latter is reaching out t
oward the Infant St. John, who is in the arms of the kneeling St. Elizabeth. She is looking at St. Joseph, who is leaning with both hands on a staff.\par
The protagonistsÆ locked gazes bestow unity on the composition. The sceneÆs natural setting broaden
s in the background to show a village on the hills, and bluish mountains that fade into the horizon.\par
The little angels at the top, which were painted over in the nineteenth century, were rediscovered when the picture was restored in 1983. The artist
Æs signature is visible on the neckline of MaryÆs dress.\par
The work was executed in Florence between 1507 and 1508 for Domenico Canigiani. In 1691 it was sent by Cosimo III of Tuscany to his son-in-law Prince John William of the Palatinate.
