The Holy Family with Saint Augustine 

Gaetano Gandolfi painted "The Holy Family with Saint Augustine" employing oil. Consider Saint Augustine, with his book and bishop's attire, symbols of knowledge and authority within the Church. Note the book that reappears, an emblem found in depictions of evangelists and scholars throughout art history. It echoes the ancient Roman tradition of portraying philosophers and orators with scrolls, documents that evolved into the codex during the Middle Ages, signifying wisdom and learning. Now observe the infant Jesus, with the Virgin, together they evoke a sense of divine protection and maternal warmth, engaging viewers on a deeply subconscious level. This echoes ancient motifs of mother goddesses cradling their children. It is a profound illustration of humanity's enduring search for meaning, the cyclical return and transformation of symbols, echoing through time.