Focus on this artwork and analyze the abstract.
The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist is a tempera on canvas painting measuring 71 cm by 50.5 cm. It is attributed to Andrea Mantegna, dated to around 1500 and now held in the National Gallery, London. Due to its poor conservation, the autograph is unclear, so some scholars do not directly attribute it to Mantegna. Though, those that do argue its idea and format definitely refer to autographed works by him.
The parapet on which the Christ Child and the infant John the Baptist stand also encloses the Virgin Mary. Its referring to the Immaculate Conception of Jesus and the hortus conclusus of her virginity. John holds a scroll and points to Christ, who holds a sphere representing his earthly power. In the background is saint Joseph in a red cloak.
National Gallery, London Immaculate Conception John the Baptist Andrea Mantegna National Gallery Virgin Mary London hortus conclusus saint Joseph