Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 1700 CE. A monumental San Jose con Nino - St. Joseph with Christ Child - painting depicting Joseph cradling the infant Jesus, a tender moment between father and son presented close to the picture plane. The artist of this painting was well-versed in the Baroque style; note how the composition employs several quintessential Baroque elements: a drawn red curtain adding to the drama, a basket of fruit at the edge of a table covered with a flowing red table cloth -a still life metaphor of the Church- as well as an adorable puppy and praying child signifying Joseph's nurturing qualities. Joseph wears traditional green robes embellished with gold embroidery; Jesus wears a transparent, gossamer garment - the drapery folds meticulously delineated. San Jose also holds his most familiar attribute, a blooming staff or lily, and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, radiates light from the celestial realm. Custom gilded, carved wood frame. Size: 50.375" L x 40.75" W (128 cm x 103.5 cm); 55.75" L x 46.25" W (141.6 cm x 117.5 cm) framed

The cult of Joseph originated during the time of Luther when the Catholic Church was seeking out new heroes to meet the needs of the Counter Reformation. Prior to this time, Joseph was somewhat ignored. The Carmelite Order, under the direction of Saint Theresa, rejuvenated the image of Saint Joseph. Instead of being portrayed as an elderly man who watched over Mary, he grew to be depicted as a virile man in the prime of his life, full of youth and strength, yet portrayed as a gentle man of tenderness as we see in this example.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#124532

Verso shows five patched repairs. Back of the canvas has darkened with age and also shows some interesting white chalked impressions. Painting shows normal surface wear with pigment losses commensurate with age and some areas of staining/discoloration. Frame shows some old loss to the upper right corner and surface wear with gilt/gesso losses commensurate with age.