The artwork, titled “The Holy Family Appearing in a Vision to St Gaetano,” was created by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo during the years 1735 to 1736. Executed in oil on canvas, the work is representative of the Rococo art movement and falls within the genre of religious painting. This piece showcases Tiepolo’s masterful use of color and composition to convey a heavenly vision experienced by St Gaetano.
In the artwork, the central figures of the Holy Family are depicted surrounded by a celestial ambiance. The Virgin Mary is seated and adorned in vibrant robes, tenderly holding the Christ Child. Joseph, enveloped by a warm glow, stands next to them, with a cherub leaning against his knee. The divine presence is accentuated by the soft, luminous clouds and the heavenly beings that accompany them. St Gaetano, portrayed in deep black clothing, is kneeling in veneration, his expression reflecting awe and devotion. The interplay of light and shadow, characteristic of Tiepolo’s style, emphasizes the ethereal nature of this visionary moment, creating a striking contrast between the earthly figure of St Gaetano and the divine apparitions above.
