The oil painting was bought from the painter by the Canigiani family in Florence for their Home altar.

The painting shows the Holy Family, consisting of Jesus Christ as a baby, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph.

[7] Raphael used vivid color and lighting to show the Holy Family in the daylight, while adding perspective which brings them to the front of the image.

Depth is achieved by creating the images behind the Holy Family smaller, making them seem to be in the distance.

The primary patron from the family was Domenico di Bartolomeo Canigiani, who was deeply interested in the arts and supported many artists, Raphael among them.