Flemish school; second third of the XVII century.

Flemish school; second third of the seventeenth century.
"Virgin and Child.
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 109 x 78 cm; 119 x 92 cm (frame).
Painting of Flemish school and Baroque period f inspired by "The Holy Family with St. Anne" by Rubens, now preserved in the Museo del Prado. Philip IV (1621-1665) was a great admirer of Rubens and The Holy Family was a significant piece in the royal collection. Rubens composed a domestic scene in which the characters interact with tenderness. Although in this particular case only the Virgin and Child are represented.
The bodies are monumental, but they move away from the sensuality of his mythological themes to adapt to the greater plastic restraint demanded by the religious theme. The Child, standing on the mother's knees, adopts a spontaneous, common and childish gesture, a feature that enhances the viewer's empathy. Mary embraces him while directing her gaze to the viewer. Mary's dress is a vivid scarlet color and her mantle is an intense cobalt blue, colors that represent the passion and universality of the Christian message. In this version, the author emulates the splendid colors of the clothing and the emotional family atmosphere of the Flemish genius.

Peter Paul Rubens was a painter of the Flemish school who, nevertheless, competed on equal terms with contemporary Italian artists, and enjoyed a very important international transcendence, given that his influence was also key in other schools, as is the case of the passage to the full Baroque in Spain. Although born in Westphalia, Rubens grew up in Antwerp, where his family originated. After his training, Rubens joined the Antwerp painters' guild in 1598. Only two years later he made a trip to Italy, where he stayed between 1600 and 1608. During these decisive dates, the young Flemish master was able to learn first-hand about naturalism and classicism, the works of Caravaggio and the Carracci.