Spanish school; beginning of the XVIII century.

Spanish school; beginning of the XVIII century.
"The Education of the Virgin".
Gouache on vellum.
Measurements: 9.5 x 7.5 cm; 15.5 x 13 cm (frame).
This work is ascribed to the Spanish devotional tradition of the early eighteenth century, direct heir of the late Baroque language and oriented to a pious and domestic use. The scene represents St. Anne instructing the child Virgin, accompanied by the figure of St. Joachim, a theme of deep counter-reformist roots that emphasizes the spiritual formation of Mary as the foundation of her future mission.
From the stylistic point of view, the composition is characterized by a delicate drawing, soft chromatism and a clear narrative intention. The idealized faces, the tenderness of the gesture and the proximity between the figures reinforce the intimate character of the scene, while the luminous halos point out the sacred dimension without breaking the human and everyday tone.