Holy Family, or 'The Pearl'
This masterpiece, which manages to be both rustic and refined, was the collection’s most expensive picture, valued at £2000. It is known as La Perla because a later owner, Philip V of Spain, considered it to be “the pearl” of his collection.
La Perla’s attribution has been a subject of debate among later scholars but it is at present given to Raphael. The work came from the Mantua sale, along with the two following works by Correggio which adorn this venerable wall.
Van der Doort c.1639
WS 22, № 11
Raphael
Madonna and Child, SS Joseph, John and Anne, less-than-life-size, full-length figures
Walpole Society reference (1960):
Measurements (Van der Doort):
4ft 9in x 3ft 9in (144.8 x 114.3cm)
Medium:
panel
Frame:
all-over gilded and carved frame
Provenance:
Mantua Piece
Location:
Room description extended:
Also called the Square Table Room
Original Manuscript page number:
MS. Ash. 1514, f. 29
Other inventories:
Mantua 1627, no. 668 (200 scudi, 1200 lire)
Identification certainty:
Identified
Sale Inventory c.1649-51