The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist 1609 - 1685

This preparatory drawing, "The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist", by Italian Baroque artist Sassoferrato (Giovanni Battista Salvi), exemplifies the artist's penchant for delicate rendering and harmonious composition. Created between 1609 and 1685, the drawing is a study for a larger painting and showcases Sassoferrato's mastery of light and shadow, particularly in the depiction of the Virgin Mary's soft features and the intricate folds of her drapery. The composition, featuring the Holy Family and Saint John the Baptist, is reminiscent of Renaissance models, yet infused with Sassoferrato's signature sentimentality and refined aesthetic.