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The Toni Dondo, by Michaelangelo, depicts the Holy Family. I particularly love how the young mother Mary confidently reaches for the squirming baby Jesus, who’s too much for the elderly Joseph to handle. Angelo Doni commissioned the painting for his wedding. Tondos, or round paintings, were given to brides upon their marriage in anticipation of childbirth. These paintings usually portray family life and were originally done on huge “birthing platters” that were used to catch the baby during labor.

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