The Holy Family with St Anthony of Padua

This panel is one of Moretto’s most successful private devotional works painted in the period when Moretto had achieved a highly individual balance between the two main artistic influences on his style - Venetian and Lombard. The composition and poses reflect the Venetian tradition of painting, while Lombard influence can be seen in the strong focus on realism.

St Anthony was popular in sixteenth century Italian art due to his reputation as a charismatic healer and guardian. He is often illustrated with the infant Christ (for his charity), a lily and a book (for his wisdom).