Holy Family of Francis I

Color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Heidi Robichaud

This 1518 oil painting was also from Raphael’s workshop but was mainly delegated to his assistants. It shows the Virgin Mary stretching her arms to carry the infant Jesus, with Saint Joseph; the cousin of the Madonna, Saint Elisabeth, and the young John the Baptist.

The influence of the artist to his apprentices is evidenced by the use of lighting and different shades to put the background at the back of the main subjects. The Madonna and the young Savior was made with warm colors and increased lighting which is typical of Raphael’s works.

The artwork was named what it was because it was gifted to the wife of the French king, Francis I, by the Pope Leo X.