Flemish School, Second Third Of The 17th Century

Flemish school, second third of the 17th century
Child with Saint John
Oil on copper, 23 x 17 cm

the copper painting, created by an artist of the Flemish school in the second third of the 17th century, depicts Baby Jesus and the infant Saint John. In the work, St. John kneels to kiss the foot of his cousin, Jesus. This canvas stands out for its technical refinement and its profound symbolism. The scene is set in a naturalistic landscape and surrounded by a frame of flowers arranged with great care, reflecting the typical qualities of Flemish painting of the time. These include mastery of detail, spiritual sensitivity and the balanced fusion between earthly and divine elements.

The copper support, frequently used by Flemish artists to obtain smooth surfaces and high color saturation, allows for an extraordinarily meticulous finish. At the center of the composition, the humble gesture of Saint John, kissing the foot of the Child Jesus, has a profound theological meaning. More than a simple scene of affection, this gesture prefigures the recognition of the divinity of Jesus and the role of Saint John as his precursor. This theme, common in the art of the Counter-Reformation period, communicates to the observer the idea of submission and adoration since childhood, acting as an example of Christian virtue and devotion.