Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) – The Holy Family (La Petite Sainte Famille). Painted for Adrien Gouffier, cardinal of Boissy. Wood, 38, 6 x 29.5 cm INV. 605 Part 1 Louvre

Here we observe a small-scale devotional work depicting a familial grouping within a carefully constructed landscape. The central figures consist of three children and two adults, arranged in a triangular composition that emphasizes harmony and intimacy. One adult, positioned on the left, is draped in simple, earth-toned garments and wears a halo, suggesting a saintly or divine status. This figure gently touches the head of one of the children, creating a sense of blessing or protection.
The second adult, seated centrally, is adorned in rich blue robes trimmed with crimson, signifying dignity and importance. She cradles two infants close to her chest, their bodies rendered with a delicate softness that highlights their vulnerability and innocence. The positioning of these children suggests familial bonds – motherhood and kinship – while the halos they wear indicate their sacred nature.
The background is dominated by a detailed landscape, receding into atmospheric perspective. Tall trees frame the scene on the left, while a hazy vista stretches out to the right, hinting at an expansive world beyond the immediate group. The artist employed a muted palette for the distant elements, creating depth and drawing attention towards the figures in the foreground.
The ground beneath the figures is rendered with meticulous detail, showing patches of grass and scattered foliage. A wooden box or trough sits near the seated adult, its presence adding a touch of domesticity to the scene. The light source appears to originate from the upper left, illuminating the faces and bodies of the figures and casting subtle shadows that enhance their three-dimensionality.
Subtly embedded within this composition are layers of meaning. The depiction of children, often symbols of hope and renewal, is juxtaposed with the saintly figure’s blessing, suggesting divine favor and protection for future generations. The landscape itself can be interpreted as a metaphor for the wider world – a realm to which these figures belong and for which they serve as intercessors. The intimate scale of the work suggests it was intended for private devotion, allowing for close contemplation of the sacred family portrayed within.