José de Ibarra

JOSÉ DE IBARRA (Nueva Galicia, Guadalajara, 1685-Mexico, 1756).
"St. Joseph with Child.
Oil on copper.
Signed.
Presents faults.
Measurements: 39 x 25 cm; 52 x 36 x 3 cm (frame).

As we observe in the work in bidding, José de Ibarra was an innovator in the Novo-Hispanic painting, seeking to transmit the emotions and affections in an effective way. He offers us an image of great virtuosity in its execution, in which Saint Joseph looks towards the Child, whom he holds in his arms. Jesus, for his part, responds to his father's gaze with admiration and respect, ready to give him all his attention, all his will and to support him in his attitude, and he collects with his right hand a bouquet of white lilies, an attribute in the representation of St. Joseph. Father and son are surrounded by a cast of putti. The coloring is soft and gentle, and coincides with the spirit of Novo-Hispanic painting of the 17th century. 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 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.

José de Ibarra was one of the most outstanding Novo-Hispanic artists of the 18th century. He was a disciple of Juan Correa and worked with the brothers Nicolás and Juan Rodríguez Juárez, who promoted an academy of painting. He presided over an independent academy of painters in the capital of the viceroyalty, where the theories and models of Charles Le Brun were used to renew painting. His work influenced important clients, such as the cathedrals of Mexico and Puebla, and he became a reference for painting in New Spain. His works can be seen in various collections and museums, such as the Amparo Museum.