“The Holy Family with Saint Catherine of Alexandria” is an oil-on-canvas religious painting executed by Lavinia Fontana in 1581, and it belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. The artwork measures 129.54 by 111.76 cm and is located in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, USA.
The artwork portrays a serene and intimate scene featuring the Holy Family. At the center sits the Virgin Mary, depicted with a calm and gentle expression. The infant Jesus, seated on her lap, reaches out towards Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who is identifiable by her crown and the broken wheel, a symbol of her martyrdom. Saint Joseph stands in the background, observing the scene with a tender and protective gaze. The composition is marked by a harmonious arrangement of figures, with soft lighting enhancing the delicate rendering of their features and garments. The rich drapery and thoughtful use of color are characteristic of the Mannerist style, adding to the spiritual and contemplative atmosphere of the painting.
