Italian school; second half of the 17th century.

Italian school; second half of the seventeenth century.
"St. Joseph with Child".
Oil on copper.
It presents faults and restorations.
Measurements: 24.5 x 19.5 cm; 31 x 25 cm (frame).
Devotional image that presents us with St. Joseph of half body with the Child Jesus in his arms. Both figures are placed in a strict foreground, located on a neutral background that enhances the figures of the protagonists.
Until the Counter-Reformation, it was common for the figure of St. Joseph to remain in the background, since he was not given any theological importance. However, after Trent, his protagonist role as Jesus' protector during his childhood, as a guide during his years of youth, was recovered, and as such he is represented here. In contrast to the tenderness, defenselessness and candor of the infant figure, St. Joseph is presented as a monumental character, typically baroque, an impression that is reinforced by the pyramidal composition. Through this form of representation, the author visually enhances the decisive role as protector of the putative father of Jesus.