Andalusian school, following Flemish models; XVIII century.

Andalusian school, following Flemish models; XVIII century.
"Virgin of the Rosary.
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 166 x 107 cm; 175 x 119 cm.
Fully baroque image, scenographic presentation, which shows the Virgin and Child both surrounded by angels and cherub heads at their feet. Both figures hold the same rosary, which shows a great complicity between both characters, which are shown to the viewer united. Mary is a monumental figure, well established and sculptural, typical of the classicist baroque, and occupies most of the pictorial surface, directly illuminated by a clear and uniform light, which models avoiding the excesses of tenebrism and creates a soft play of light and half shadows. This light gives the flesh tones of both figures a pearly appearance, in accordance with the classical idealization they show. The colors, especially the pink and red of the Virgin's tunic, dominate the composition and are framed by the grayish blue tone of the mantle. The figures stand out well silhouetted against a golden background of Gloria, subtly worked with shades of ochre and yellow.
The iconography of the Virgin of the Rosary is directly related to the figure of Saint Dominic. The tradition, which began in the 15th century, tells that the mother of God herself taught the saint to pray the rosary in 1208, telling him to propagate this devotion and use it as a powerful weapon against the enemies of the faith. Appearing in the chapel where the saint was praying, holding a rosary in his hand, he taught him to recite it, promising that many sinners would be converted and obtain abundant graces. St. Dominic left there full of zeal, with the rosary in his hand. He did indeed preach it, and with great success, bringing many Albingenses back to the Catholic faith.