Spanish school; 17th century.

Spanish School; XVII century.
"Infant Jesus as Salvator Mundi".
Carved and polychrome wood.
Measurements: 47 x 23 x 15 cm.
Baroque sculpture worked in round bulk representing the Child Jesus as "Salvator Mundi", an iconography that alludes to the Christological concept of Jesus Christ as universal savior, in relation to his role as judge in the Final Judgment and his character of Redeemer. It is characterized by presenting Christ holding with one hand an orb (sometimes topped by a cross). In this case the figure of the Infant Jesus, on a cushion, holds the golden orb, while with the other hand he adopts the gesture of blessing. The figure is wearing a tunic decorated with motifs that emulate sumptuous embroidery. Her kinky hair has been curled in such a way that they form a line of spirals around the oval. Technically, the author has created a carving resolved in naturalistic language, a style ascribed to the baroque tradition of Spanish imagery, although of a certain singularity since the artist has chosen to represent the Child dressed.
Given the importance given to religious images in the Hispanic world, during the 17th and 18th centuries ambitious pictorial series and extensive iconographic programs were created for churches and convents, as well as printed prints, medals and reliquaries for private devotion. As a whole, regardless of their size or medium, these images fulfilled the objective of sacralizing everyday life beyond the altars. The theme of the Salvator Mundi, very frequent in Spanish art from the 17th century onwards, became one of the national signs of identity of Spain as a Catholic country.