The Holy Family with the Infant St. John and an Angel (Primary Title)
Master of the Samaritan Woman, Italian, Florentine, active late 15th and early 16th century (Artist)
Master of the Naumburg Madonna, Italian, active 15th century (Former Attribution)
Domenico Ghirlandaio was one of the leading artists in Florence toward the end of the 15th century. He had a large workshop in which the young Michelangelo trained along with many other artists. The painter of this tondo, or circular painting, probably trained with Ghirlandaio as well, though the piece also shows extensive borrowings from other masters.
Though we do not know this artist’s real name, he is known as the “Master of the Naumburg Madonna” after one of his most characteristic works, which was given to the Harvard University Art Museums by a member of the Naumburg family. Although the master’s adherence to the simple and clear style typical of later 15th-century Florentine painting borders on the naïve, this style ultimately led to the emphasis on harmony and balance employed by later artists such as Raphael.
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
