Saint Joseph With The Christ Child, 17th-18th Century Old Master Bolognese School

17th-18th Century Old Master Bolognese School

A depiction of Saint Joseph with the Christ Child

Provenance: A good English private collection

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall measurements with the frame are 107 cm x 84 cm x 3 cm and the painting itself measuring 98 cm x 74 cm

A lovely, colourful and well-composed late 17th to early 18th century study of the Christ child with St. Joseph following a typical style of depiction for the period. Italian in origin and most likely by an artist of the Bolognese School, this work is exceptional in its composition and execution.

This painting is particularly rich with iconography, identifying it as an exceptional and important work of religious art. There are references to the earthly world mingling combined with diving iconography, emphasising Christ’s dual nature as both human and divine.

In his left hand, Joseph holds a pear, an attribute which probably alludes to original sin and to Jesus’s role in redeeming mankind. The Christ child reaches out to take the pear as though accepting his role as the redeemer of mankind.

In his left hand, Christ holds a miniature version of Joseph's flowering staff - according to legend, a symbol that Joseph has been chosen as Mary’s husband. The staff, while also alluding to Aaron's flowering staff, symbolically links Christ, though Joseph, to the lineage of David.

Adding to the narrative of this work, behind the legs of the Christ Child, laying on the table upon which the Christ Child stands, is an array of carpenter's tools alluding to Joseph's profession which is referred to in the Bible to be that of a carpenter.

A bright halo of light adorns the head of Christ Child, pointing to his divinity, while Joseph is also depicted with a halo around his head, albeit much less pronounced than the one on the Christ Child, nonetheless an indication of Joseph's sanctity.

This particular depiction is touching in its composition, the love and adoration shown between Joseph and his adopted son, the Christ, particularly strong. The tenderness of the interaction between father and son is emotive and evocative.

In addition to being a particularly pleasing and well-painted work of art, this painting is also a significant historic and religious document. It tells the story of a working man of simple means who is trusted with the responsibility of raising the saviour of mankind.

Condition report: The painting has been conserved and is in good clean restored condition.
There are areas of craquelure commensurate with its antiquity. The frame has been re-ebonised and is offered as a gift. The paint surface is stable and canvas in good tension.

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