Holy Family with St. Bruno, the Carthusian monks, saints who left St. Bernard of Siena, St. Bonaventure and St. Elias 1635

Jusepe de Ribera made this oil on canvas, entitled ‘Holy Family with St. Bruno, the Carthusian monks, saints who left St. Bernard of Siena, St. Bonaventure and St. Elias,’ in the first half of the 17th century. The painting reflects the religious fervor of Counter-Reformation Italy, depicting the Holy Family surrounded by various saints and monks. Ribera uses visual codes to convey the spiritual importance of the figures. The placement of the Holy Family in the center, bathed in divine light, emphasizes their sanctity. The inclusion of specific saints and monks, especially St. Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order, suggests a focus on monastic piety and devotion. The painting was produced in a period marked by intense religious and political conflict between Catholics and Protestants. This reflects the Catholic Church's efforts to reaffirm its authority and promote religious devotion through art. By studying the historical context and religious culture of 17th-century Italy, along with primary source material such as religious texts and monastic records, we gain a deeper understanding of the painting's meaning and significance. We can appreciate the social and institutional forces that shaped the creation and reception of this image.