Italian Grand Tour Miniature of the Holy Family, Signed R. Tomassi, Rome, 19th C

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Italian Grand Tour Miniature of the Holy Family, Signed R. Tomassi, Rome, 19th Century

Measurements: 3" wide x 4" high … Read more Italian Grand Tour Miniature of the Holy Family, Signed R. Tomassi, Rome, 19th Century

Measurements: 3" wide x 4" high (4.5" to top of hanging ring)

A finely painted Italian miniature signed lower right R. Tomassi, depicting the Holy Family with the Infant St. John after a Renaissance composition once housed in the Villa Borghese, Rome. The intimate devotional scene shows an older St. Joseph, a turbaned Virgin Mary, the smiling Christ Child, and the young St. John in adoration—an arrangement recalling Raphael’s celebrated treatments of the subject.

The back retains an old handwritten label reading “Famiglia by [Bustarini/Santarini], Villa Borghese, Rome,” confirming the painting’s origin as a Grand Tour copy after a Borghese collection work.

The miniature is framed in its original gilt brass surround with beaded and engraved edges, complete with a suspension ring for display. While there are a few surface dings and age-related wear to the reverse backing, the painted surface retains its rich color and devotional presence.

Renato Tomassi worked in Rome and Germany, producing portraits, devotional subjects, and finely detailed miniatures for the visitor and collector market of the 19th century. This is a charming survival of Grand Tour piety and taste, suitable for both private devotion and refined collection. See less