Jesus And The Children, Large Oil On Copper, Italian School, Circa 1700

A rare and significant oil on copper depicting Jesus welcoming and blessing the children, an episode recounted in the Gospels:

“Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

This large composition, which we date to the Italian school of the late 17th or early 18th century, is notable for its unusual dimensions for a painting executed on copper.

Christ, seated at the center of the scene and wrapped in a flowing red cloak, welcomes the children gathered around him. Mothers, disciples, and elderly men form a large assembly, brought to life by the diversity of their expressions, gestures, and postures.

On the left, a balustrade opens onto a landscape, while imposing classical architecture frames the background. The composition, balanced and full of life, is enhanced by a palette of bold, luminous colors: deep reds, golden yellows, pinks, greens, and nuanced blues.

Of particular note are the delicacy of the faces, the elegance of the hands, and the care taken with the drapery. A few naive touches in the drawing lend the work a special charm, without detracting from the remarkable presence of this religious scene.

The painting is set in an antique carved and gilded wooden frame, topped with a shell adorned with foliage.

The work has been cleaned but deliberately preserved in its original condition. It shows some wear, lifting, and areas where paint is missing, as visible in the photographs. Additional restoration can be performed by our studio upon request.

A religious painting with a commanding presence, captivating due to the rarity of its medium, its substantial size, and the richness of its composition.

Dimensions:

• Copper: 86 cm wide by 66 cm high
• With frame: 96 cm wide by 83 cm high, including the outer frame

We deliver within France and ship worldwide. Please contact us for an accurate quote.