School of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

School of BARTOLOMÉ ESTEBAN MURILLO (Seville, 1617 - 1682).
"St. Joseph with Child.
Oil on panel.
Measurements: 36,5 x 27 cm; 42,5 x 33 cm (frame).
This painting follows the model of the canvas currently preserved in the Museo Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid, work of Murillo's workshop. The work shows St. Joseph, identified by the flowery rod, seated with the Child on his lap, in a family scene full of tenderness typical of the Sevillian master. 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.