Holy Family with Saint Catherine 1570 - 1590

This drawing by Italian artist Luca Cambiaso, known as "The Genoese" for his birthplace, depicts the Holy Family. The composition centers on the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, who is reaching out to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, kneeling before them. The work is executed in pen and brown ink, with a delicate hatching technique that creates a sense of depth and volume. The Holy Family with Saint Catherine exemplifies the artist's skill in depicting intricate drapery, detailed anatomy and emotive gestures, characteristic of late Mannerist style. This drawing, dating from 1570-1590, is now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago.